Örebro University Hospital describes the study as unique.
Several research projects on covid-19 are ongoing in the Örebro County Region, but there are few treatment studies in Sweden.
What is to be investigated in the study is what effect the drug camostat mesilate has on the coronavirus.
The drug is currently not approved in Sweden, but in Japan and South Korea, for the treatment of chronic pancreatitis and reflux in the esophagus.
180 people must be included
- Since the virus has already affected millions of people around the world, there is an urgent need for drugs that can treat the virus.
The goal is to reduce morbidity and mortality in those affected, says Sara Cajander, chief physician at the infection clinic, in a press release.
The study will include 180 patients and participation is voluntary.
They will be divided into two groups, one receiving the drug and the other the placebo.
- We have just included our first three patients in the study.
It feels very good and important that we can be involved and try this medicine.
Extra fun for Region Örebro County is that we are the only hospital in Sweden that tries this drug, says Sara Cajander.