Ohio State Testing Nitric Oxide To Treat Coronavirus Patients

COLUMBUS, OH — The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center is launching a clinical trial using inhaled nitric oxide to treat patients diagnosed with the new coronavirus. The goal is to keep COVID-19 patients out of intensive care.

Researchers are using continuously pulsed inhaled nitric oxide via the Bellerophon INOpulse system, the hospital said in a news release. The nitric oxide may prevent the progression of respiratory disease in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19-related pneumonia. The treatment is meant for patients who need oxygen but don't yet need a ventilator.

“There’s a greater likelihood of death among COVID-19 patients with pneumonia who are placed on a ventilator,” said Dr. Sitaramesh Emani, principal investigator, cardiologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. “If we can treat patients with inhaled nitric oxide before they become so ill that they require a ventilator, we believe we can improve patient outcomes and reserve ventilators and hospital resources for the sickest patients.”

Inhaled nitric oxide dilates arteries in the lungs and improves the flow of oxygen into the blood stream, the hospital system said. Prior studies of SARS, which is similar to COVID-19, found inhaled nitric oxide's antiviral properties could suppress the virus.

Patients in the study will receive inhaled nitric oxide for a minimum of five days and up to two weeks. Patients will then be followed for four weeks to assess their response to the treatment.

"Traditionally, inhaled nitric oxide treatments use bulky canisters that require patients to remain in the hospital during treatment,” said Dr. Raymond Benza, co-principal investigator, director of the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Bob and Corrine Frick Chair for Heart Failure at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. “As the patients in this trial improve, this novel delivery system will allow them to continue inhaled nitric oxide treatment at home, reducing their time in the hospital and limiting their exposure as they recover.”