Government of Canada and Cayetano Heredia University joins hands to help patients with Covid-19
Government of Canada and Cayetano Heredia University joins hands to help patients with Covid-19
Canadian-led research into plasma treatment for COVID-19
The Canadian Embassy confirmed its support for the “Peru with Plasma” project, sponsored by the “Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia”, and led by scientists from that university. With financing of $ 59,742 Canadian dollars, through the Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives, the implementation of the clinical trial for 98 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 is guaranteed.
In this way, the Canadian government joins efforts to find a safe and effective therapeutic alternative to treat hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in our country. The clinical trial seeks to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the use of convalescent plasma in patients hospitalized for COVID-19.
Funding from Canada, through the Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives, ensures the implementation of the study, which consists of two parts: (1) collecting high-quality plasma from patients who have recovered from COVID-19, super donors; (2) administering this convalescent plasma to critically ill patients with COVID-19.
Patients will be divided into two groups, randomly. One group of patients will receive the standard treatment, and the other group will receive the standard treatment and, in addition, will receive convalescent plasma. Both groups will be compared to assess whether those who received convalescent plasma improved their clinical condition.
This trial has been approved by the National Institute of Health and is aimed at investigating the safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma. Aspects such as the effect of treatment on the duration and severity of symptoms of patients with COVID-19, mortality from COVID-19, the need for mechanical ventilation, the time of hospitalization will be evaluated; and, therefore, the pressure on the Peruvian health system. Thanks to MINSA’s support, it will work with the blood bank of the National Institute of Children’s Health in San Borja, and with the Hipólito Unanue Hospital.