VA researchers launch clinical trials of prostate cancer drug Degarelix as potential treatment for coronavirus

The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has initiated clinical trials of potential coronavirus treatments for men using drugs commonly used to treat advanced prostate cancer.

The drug Degarelix, which is also sold under the brand name Pharmagon, was approved by the FDA in 2008 for the treatment of prostate cancer. It acts as a potent and temporary blocker of testosterone, which is believed to promote prostate cancer growth. This drug is being investigated as a coronavirus therapeutic because testosterone is believed to help produce the protein TMPRSS2 in lung tissue.

The double-blind study begins on Friday and measures the results of 200 COVID-19 veterans randomly given either a single injection of the drug lasting 28 days or a corresponding placebo instead.

“Veterans infected with the virus need urgent action,” said Deputy Secretary Robert Wilkie in a statement. “This trial is an important step in advancing our knowledge of potential treatments for people infected with COVID-19. We are committed to maintaining and protecting our lives.”

Researchers say this drug is not a viable treatment for women because it helps TMPRSS2 to be produced in the body of women and potentially increases the severity of the disease instead of improving it. .

Both men and women get the same rate of virus as men, but COVID-19 is believed to be far more deadly. Health experts have not specified the reason, but some believe that genetic differences in the immune response are important, but sex hormones may also play a role.

The Degarelix trial is expected to be completed in approximately four months and is being conducted at facilities in California, New York, and Washington. This is one of several ongoing VA trials, including trials of the antiviral drug lemdesibir as a treatment for COVID-19.

As of Friday, Virginia reported that 11,897 COVID-19 patients were being treated, and 985 patients died of viral complications. The majority of the 8,829 patients had already recovered from the disease. Many VA patients tend to be older and may have other chronic medical conditions, increasing the risk of serious complications.

The institution is believed to be particularly well equipped to handle COVID-19 research. The existing infrastructure helps to quickly launch the clinical trials needed to develop potential medicines and vaccines.

“VA research is integrated into the largest integrated healthcare system in the country,” said Dr. Rachel Ramoni, R & D Director of VA. “We are in a position to do what nobody else in the world can do to improve the health of veterans, countries and the world.”

Newsweek I asked the VA for comments. This article will be updated with every response.

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