A widely available and affordable drug has been found effective in treating seriously ill COVID-19 patients, according to a new international study led by researchers at the Australian National University (ANU) in collaboration with King’s College London.
The study examined data from nearly 500 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 across six countries. Those who inhaled heparin were 50% less likely to need ventilation and faced a significantly lower risk of death compared to those receiving standard care.
Heparin, a drug typically injected to treat blood clots, was tested in inhaled form, directly targeting the lungs. Besides being an anticoagulant, heparin also has anti-inflammatory and broad antiviral properties. Earlier studies indicated that breathing and oxygen levels improved in COVID-19 patients after inhaling heparin.
The researchers think this drug could also help combat other serious respiratory infections, such as pneumonia.
Professor Clive Page, Emeritus Professor of Pharmacology at King’s and co-leader of the international study with Professor van Haren from ANU, stated: “Inhaled heparin has antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anticoagulant effects. There’s no other drug that combines all of these properties. We know another pandemic is likely, and there are still COVID-19 patients who become very ill. This is an important tool to have on hand.”
While these findings underscore the potential of inhaled heparin, more development is needed before it can be widely used. The researchers also believe the drug may help with other serious respiratory infections caused by various viruses and bacteria.
According to Professor van Haren, this treatment could be beneficial for individuals with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, during respiratory infections.
Professor Frank van Haren, the lead author, ANU and Director of the Intensive Care Unit at St George Hospital in Sydney, remarked: “It doesn’t matter what type of respiratory infection a patient has; inhaled heparin can prevent the infection from taking hold and damaging the lungs. We plan to conduct another trial in Europe to confirm its effectiveness against other common respiratory infections like influenza and RSV. Plus, because it’s inexpensive, it’s more accessible for those in low-income countries.”
The researchers are also working on a new formulation of heparin, specifically designed for inhalation.
This research is published in eClinicalMedicine and was presented at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) International Congress in Amsterdam on Sunday, September 28, a premier annual event for respiratory research.
Summary: A recent international study led by researchers from ANU and King’s College London found that inhaled heparin can significantly reduce the need for ventilation and the risk of death in serious COVID-19 cases. While more development is needed, the drug’s unique properties make it a promising option for treating various respiratory infections, including pneumonia. Its affordability also enhances accessibility for low-income populations, making it an important tool in managing future pandemics.
