COmmunity patients at Risk of Viral Infections including SARS-CoV-2 – CORVIS

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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchiectasis are long-term lung conditions which can lead to breathlessness, cough and increased mucous production. Symptoms can suddenly worsen due to respiratory infections – this is known as an infective exacerbation. People with chronic lung disease who experience an infective exacerbation are at high risk of becoming seriously unwell, sometimes requiring hospital admission. Early treatment of infection may help to reduce this risk. 

The CORVIS trial is investigating the use of a new drug (inhaled via a handheld nebuliser to produce nitric oxide in the lungs) for treatment of infective exacerbations of COPD and bronchiectasis. Nitric oxide plays a key part in our body’s own defence against microbial infection in the lungs and has already been approved for use in the treatment of lung disease in neonates. In this study it will be used in addition to the usual treatment you would receive during an infective exacerbation, such as oral steroids and antibiotics. 

The aim of this study is to determine whether or not patients are able and willing to use the nebulisers at home when they experience a worsening of their chest symptoms. Information will also be collected on how safe and well tolerated inhaled nitric oxide is, and whether or not it helps slow progression of symptoms or speed up recovery.

The study will involve one face to face clinic appointment (which may last up to 3 hours) followed by regular telephone calls with the study team over the following year. At the initial study visit a clinical assessment will be carried out and eligible participants will receive one test dose of the study drug. Over the next 12 months participants who experience an exacerbation will then receive a 7-day course of inhaled nitric oxide to self-administer at home. During this period the study team will phone participants daily to monitor treatment and help with queries.