ACCORD-2: A Multicentre, Seamless, Phase 2 Adaptive Randomisation Platform Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of Multiple Candidate Agents for the Treatment of COVID-19 in Hospitalised Patients
PI: Prof Martin Wiselka
This study was designed to assess possible new treatments for COVID-19 in patients who require hospital admission. At UHL and at other hospitals across the UK, universities, companies making medicines, and the UK Government are working together to see if existing treatments for other conditions or diseases or new drugs may be used to treat people with COVID-19.
To do this, several treatments were tested in this study, in people with COVID-19. At UHL we looked at Zilucoplan. All participants taking part in this study continued to receive the currently accepted standard-of-care for COVID-19. Each participant was randomly assigned to receive Zilucoplan and standard-of-care treatment or standard-of-care only.
About Zilucoplan – During a viral infection, cells in the immune system can release a large amount of substances in the body called cytokines. This can lead to lung inflammation (redness and swelling), which is thought to contribute to the severe symptoms experienced by some people with COVID-19. Zilucoplan blocks the activity of a protein called complement component 5 (C5). C5 plays a role in the immune response. By blocking C5’s activity, it is hoped that zilucoplan will decrease the amount of cytokines released in the body, resulting in reduce lung damage and improvement of symptoms in people with COVID-19. Zilucoplan is given as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection once daily for up to 14 days or until you are discharged home.
Each participant was in the study for approximately 90 days. During which they underwent tests, e.g. physical examination, vital signs, ECG, blood tests to ensure that the participant was safe to enter the study. Throughout the participants admission in hospital they received standard-of-care treatment plus Zilucoplan injections (if they were randomised to that arm of the study), they also had their vital signs checked and had blood samples taken. After they were discharged from the hospital, they had up to 3 additional visits or telephone calls to the study centre.
For more information about this study, please visit https://www.uhs.nhs.uk/ClinicalResearchinSouthampton/Research/COVID-19/ACCORD/ACCORD.aspx