PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — COVID-19 attacks the lungs, and too many people end up with damage or on ventilators.
Craig Fraser, CEO of Windtree Therapeutics in Warrington, said his company is testing a treatment on coronavirus patients that is similar to one given to premature babies with underdeveloped lungs.
The treatment is a synthetic form of surfactant, which is needed in the lungs to keep them inflated and to keep the body oxygenated.
“In order to hopefully improve lung function, gas exchange, and how much oxygen the body has, (it makes) lungs more pliable and less fibrotic and stiff. Also, to decrease the inflammation in the lungs, all of which hopefully will lead to less lung damage and facilitate them getting off mechanical ventilation,” he explained.
The trial will start small, in just four hospitals with two dozen patients.
“The main thing that we really want to be thoughtful about is making sure that it can be done safely and administered safely and that we get the dosing right,” Fraser added. “That's one of the reasons we're starting a little bit smaller and working with the very top, top institutions.”
Preliminary results could be seen in three to six months. If successful, the trial would expand to additional facilities.