Lincolnshire patients are set to be among first to take part in urgent coronavirus research study

Research into Covid-19 is helping experts to learn more about the disease and to explore the effectiveness of different treatments, as well as to enable the development of a vaccine.

The PRINCIPLE study has been established to rapidly evaluate the effectiveness of different treatments that could stem the progression of Covid-19 symptoms in older people and help ease the burden on hospitals.

GP practices will be supporting patients to take part in the study, which is currently investigating whether an existing drug, hydroxychloroquine, can prevent the disease from progressing.

The drug has previously been used to treat conditions such as malaria and arthritis, and this study will soon test the effectiveness of other drugs.

The study takes place in the community with patients receiving the drugs and vital study information directly to their home.

This activity is being co-ordinated and led by the East Midlands Primary Care Research team, part of the National Institute for Health Research.

Dr Simon Royal, CRN East Midlands Specialty Lead for Primary Care research, said: “We’re delighted that GP practices and patients across the East Midlands are involved in vital research into Covid-19.

“It is only by conducting research that we can properly understand Covid-19, which will enable us to develop treatments and vaccines for it.”