WILLIAMSBURG, Va. - With so many testing positive for coronavirus near his practice, the wheels started turning for Williamsburg pulmonologist Vijay Subramaniam.
"We have been taking care of pulmonary patients for over 10 years, and anything we can do to try to find and help our patients and the general population, we want to get involved in," he said.
His clinic, the Lung and Sleep Center, part of Tidewater Physicians Multi-Specialty Group, is one of only four sites across the nation chosen for a clinical research study to help those who have tested positive for coronavirus.
The other sites are in Buffalo, New York; Winston-Salem, North Carolina and Atlanta, Georgia.
"We would like to start now and get these candidates enrolled in study within 72 hours of testing," said Subramaniam.
The clinic is hoping to screen 300 to 500 patients who have had mild or moderate symptoms but have not been hospitalized. The goal is to try a steroid inhaler called Ciclesonide.
Half of the patients would also be on a placebo.
"The medicine is currently approved through the FDA for treatment of asthma for ages 12 and above, and we have been using it for many years without any problem at all," he said.
Patients would use the inhaler twice a day for 30 days.
"We will monitor them, and they also document the process through an app on their phone," he said.
Patients would be compensated $400 if chosen for the study.
If you would like to participate in the study - this again is the criteria:
- Must be within 72 hours of testing
- Mild or moderate symptoms
- Not currently taking an inhaled steroid or steroid nasal spray
For more information, call (757) 741-0981 or email clinicaltrials@tpmgpc.com
