Case study: Taking part in COVID research: Michael’s story

Michael took part in the PRINCIPLE trial, a national University of Oxford study into COVID-19 treatments to support recovery at home. The trial involved adults with a positive COVID test and symptoms being sent study drugs to take at home and then reporting to the study team about how they felt. The study ruled out three treatments for COVID-19 treatment and found one, inhaled budesonide, shortens recovery time. The results for two further drugs, Ivermectin and Favipiravir, are being analysed prior to publication.

In February 2019, the year prior to COVID, I acquired a respiratory bug which initially confounded my GP. Scans revealed a severe pneumonia and a substantial cavitation in the right lung. I was eventually given the all clear in March 2020, prior to the first lockdowns. As I was rebuilding and healing, I was advised to shield.

When things opened up a little, Caroline, my partner went away with work and on her return, found she had COVID and all the typical symptoms. I knew I must have caught it and when it showed a few days later, I joined the PRINCIPLE trial.

Within 24 hours of taking Ivermectin, my cough, cold, fever and other symptoms had gone. I felt great but poor Caroline was still sick. Within 48 hours or so, I tested negative. As Caroline coughed “it’s a miracle”, I could only agree.

It’s fair to say I was a successful participant in the PRINCIPLE trial. I do think it’s incredibly important for people to participate in trials when medical professionals are responding to emerging diseases. It’s thrilling helping to find ways to treat illnesses and be part of a program to help others.

Of course, use of Ivermectin became a contentious issue during the pandemic and it’s very important to find cost effective and radical repurposing of existing drugs. I currently work in research and I have met people who lost loved ones during the pandemic who pleaded for the drug that the PRINCIPLE trial gave me. Their stories are heartbreaking and I know from my experience that it may have provided them with a chance. Without PRINCIPLE, I would not have been able to find a drug that provided such an outstanding remedy to my symptoms.