Cincinnati Public Radio: Researchers Zeroing In On Blood Vessels to Prevent COVID 'Long-Haulers'

Richard Becker, MD, and Duncan Hite, MD, both professors in the UC College of Medicine and UC Health physicians, spoke with WVXU reporter Ann Thompson about a phase 2 clinical trial underway at UC/UC Health to determine the safety and efficacy of the drug razuprotafib in treating COVID-19 patients. UC is one of 20 sites across the nation participating in the trial.

Researchers say this drug could possibly prevent "long-haulers syndrome." Razuprotafib is already used to treat diabetes and renal disease. By zeroing in on blood vessels to make them healthier, it's hoped COVID patients can benefit, too. Becker, director of the UC Heart, Lung and Vascular Institute, and Hite, director of medical critical care at UC Health, are part of a clinical trial conducted by Aerpio Pharmaceuticals.

Listen to the interview online.

Learn more about the clinical trial on UC’s website.