SGS began recruiting participants in the U.S. in a multinational clinical trial of a potential drug candidate to treat COVID-19 related respiratory failure.

SGS was recently selected by French biotech company Biophytis to conduct its COVA study evaluating Sarconeos (BIO101) for the treatment of COVID-19 related respiratory failure.

The trial will recruit 310 participants for a maximum 28-day treatment in the Phase 2/3 trial, which will examine the drug’s safety, tolerability, and efficacy. All participants must have been tested positive for COVID-19, developed severe respiratory symptoms and show COVID-19 symptoms.

The study has received regulatory approval in Belgium, France, Brazil, the UK, and U.S.

Joanne Zephirin, Clinical Research Associate Manager in the US, said, “As experts in clinical research services, our US team is very proud to partner with Biophytis on its COVA trial and we welcome the first participants to the study. Our involvement in this important trial is testament to the quality of our clinical trial management services, and proficiency in the field of infectious diseases, which supports organizations around the globe to bring new therapies to market safely and quickly.”