DFV890: a new oral NLRP3 inhibitor-tested in an early phase 2a randomised clinical trial in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and impaired respiratory function.

Background: Coronavirus-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (CARDS) has limited effective therapy to date. NLRP3 inflammasome activation induced by SARS-CoV-2 in COVID-19 contributes to cytokine storm.

Methods: This randomised, multinational study enrolled hospitalised patients (18-80 years) with COVID-19-associated pneumonia and impaired respiratory function.

Safety and efficacy of BCG re-vaccination in relation to COVID-19 morbidity in healthcare workers: A double-blind, randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial.

Background: BCG vaccination prevents severe childhood tuberculosis (TB) and was introduced in South Africa in the 1950s. It is hypothesised that BCG trains the innate immune system by inducing epigenetic and functional reprogramming, thus providing non-specific protection from respiratory tract infections. We evaluated BCG for reduction of morbidity and mortality due to COVID-19 in healthcare workers in South Africa.