Research & Education Institute

Covid-19 Research at UH

University Hospitals has a proud history of leading the way through innovation and research. As we face the unknown with COVID-19, it is inspiring that UH and the biomedical industry is coming together and assembling a variety of novel and innovative ideas to seek solutions to prevent, treat, and cure COVID-19.

UH COVID-19 Research Projects

UH COVID-19 Biorepository

Since January 20, 2020, researchers have been aggressively trying to better understand transmission dynamics and the spectrum of novel coronavirus. So much remains unknown, including why patients present with vastly different symptoms, why some patients get very sick requiring ventilators and ICU care when others develop mild symptoms, whether or not mortality rates differ by country or if genetics or environment is affecting immune response.

University Hospitals has been a leader in COVID-19 research. Now, with UH’s diverse patient population, in addition to its strong research program, UH can play an important role in creating new knowledge to answer the most pressing questions related to COVID-19 transmission and treatment. With the launch of a new UH Biorepository study, UH will provide central storage of biological specimen and clinical data to advance our understanding of COVID-19 and its health consequences.

The Clinical Research Center is currently enrolling adults and pediatric patients one month and older with diagnosed or suspected COVID-19, to participate in the Biorepository research study.

To learn more, call 1-833-78TRIAL.

Activation of First Clinical Site for the MACOVIA Study, a Pivotal Phase 2/3 Study Evaluating MultiStem® Cell Therapy for COVID-19 Induced ARDS

Dr. Frank Jacono, a University Hospitals Pulmonary and Critical Care Physician, teamed up with Athersys, Inc. to activate UHCMC as the first clinical site for the MultiStem Administration for COVID-19 Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (MACOVIA) trial. University Hospitals has completed trial start-up activities enabling commencement of patient screening and enrollment in this important randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Diaphragm Pacing System Used to Help COVID Patients | Dr. Raymond Onders

Dr. Onders, a surgeon at University Hospitals for the past three decades, and his team of researchers developed a diaphragm pacing system (DPS), which improves the functionality of the diaphragm in patients using ventilators. As a result, the number of days patients use ventilators is reduced, and allowing patients to breathe on their own again. Over the years, this technology has helped patients suffering from spinal cord injury, severe neurologic disorders, post-surgical patients, and most recently, in the medical community’s response to COVID-19.

Clinical Trial with Novel Anti-Cancer Agent Used for Patients with COVID-19+ Cancer Patients | Dr. Afhin Dowlati

UH currently has an open clinical trial enrolling advanced cancer patients without COVID19. This novel anti-cancer agent inhibits SUMOYLATION. In our current phase I trial with this agent (ongoing) substantial pharmacodynamics effects on the anti-viral response mechanism has been seen. Furthermore preclinical evidence demonstrates anti-viral activity. We are of one of only 6 sites in the world that has access to this drug. TAKEDA Oncology amended their phase I trial to allow patients with advanced cancer and positive for COVID-19 to enroll in the anti-cancer agent trial and look at the endpoints common for COVID19 trials.

UH Begins a Research Study with ARMS-I Throat Spray to Prevent COVID Transmission | Dr. Robert Salata

On April 2, 2020, UH launched a new clinical trial involving the administration of an investigational drug delivered by simple oral spray, ARMS-I, to our clinical staff who are directly caring for patients. The trial is designed to assess whether the drug helps prevent airborne transmission of coronavirus and whether it reduces the symptoms of health care providers who have tested positive for the virus. Previous studies suggested the active drug is effective in reducing viral infections from influenza and other seasonal viruses.

UH Among First in the Nation to Test Investigational AntiViral Drug Remdesivir in COVID Patients | Dr. Grace McComsey

University Hospitals has secured two clinical trials that will provide the investigational antiviral drug remdesivir to hospitalized adults with a pneumonia due to the novel coronavirus. One trial will focus on COVID-19 patients with moderate illness. The second will focus on patients with more severe illness who may require care in the intensive care unit (ICU). Remdesivir is designed to interfere with an enzyme that reproduces viral genetic material.

Harrington Discover Institute: Transatlantic Call for Proposals for New COVID Treatments

The Harrington Discovery Institute at University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio, issued a transatlantic call for proposals for new treatments to support the global fight against novel Coronavirus and potential future pandemic events. Harrington Discovery Institute (HDI) will provide successful applicants with grant funding and expert guidance and oversight in all aspects of drug/therapeutics development, while taking no rights to intellectual property, which is retained by the award recipient and their institution.

NASA, University Hospitals Join Forces in Response to COVID-19

University Hospitals in Cleveland and NASA’s Glenn Research Center collaborated to develop new methods and technologies for decontaminating personal protective equipment (PPE) for aerospace applications and for safeguarding the health of workers caring for patients with the coronavirus.