What is the mechanism of action of this treatment?

Common treatments for COVID-19, particularly antiviral therapies, work by targeting various stages of the virus's life cycle to reduce viral load and alleviate symptoms. These treatments often inhibit viral replication, block viral entry into host cells, or enhance the immune response. For example, drugs like remdesivir inhibit the viral RNA polymerase, preventing the virus from replicating its genetic material. This is crucial for COVID-19 patients as it can reduce the severity and duration of symptoms, lower the risk of complications, and decrease the likelihood of virus transmission.

What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Common antiviral treatments for COVID-19, such as hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and chloroquine (CQ), have been studied extensively. Known side effects of these treatments include gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), cardiovascular issues (QT prolongation, arrhythmias), and potential liver and kidney toxicity. Additionally, HCQ and CQ have not shown significant efficacy in reducing SARS-CoV-2 RNA shedding or alleviating COVID-19 symptoms in clinical trials. Other antiviral agents like remdesivir may cause side effects such as elevated liver enzymes, gastrointestinal symptoms, and potential allergic reactions.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

The FDA has approved remdesivir for the treatment of COVID-19 in both hospitalized and nonhospitalized patients. Remdesivir is an antiviral drug that inhibits RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, reducing SARS-CoV-2 RNA shedding and potentially shortening recovery time. It is administered intravenously and is dosed based on patient weight. This approval is based on data from randomized and observational studies in adults, which suggest that remdesivir may reduce the time to recovery, particularly in patients who are not critically ill.

What other types of research exist?

Promising alternatives to RQ-01 for COVID-19 treatment include remdesivir, which is FDA-approved and has shown antiviral activity, and immunomodulatory agents such as monoclonal antibodies targeting the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, drugs like nitazoxanide and teicoplanin have shown potential in vitro. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment based on the latest clinical evidence.

← Back to Search

Virus Therapy

RQ-01 for COVID-19

Phase 1

Recruiting

Research Sponsored by Red Queen Therapeutics, Inc.

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Age 18-64, inclusive, at the time of consent

Female subjects must have a negative urine pregnancy test at screening

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up up to 33 days

Awards & highlights

Study Summary

This trial is testing a potential COVID-19 treatment called RQ-01 in patients with mild symptoms. Subjects will answer questions, have their vitals measured, and have bloodwork done to assess safety, effectiveness, and how the body processes the drug.

Who is the study for?

Adults aged 18-64 with mild COVID-19 symptoms and low risk of severe disease can join. They must not be at high risk for disease progression, have had recent nasal surgery, or use certain steroids. Women must not be pregnant and agree to contraception; men must also agree to contraception.Check my eligibility

What is being tested?

The trial is testing RQ-01's safety and its effect on reducing the virus (SARS-CoV-2 RNA shedding) and COVID-19 symptoms compared to a placebo. Participants will receive either a high or low dose of RQ-01 or a placebo for three days.See study design

What are the potential side effects?

Potential side effects are not specified but may include reactions related to the body's response to new drugs such as allergies, gastrointestinal issues, headaches, or fatigue. Blood tests will monitor health throughout the trial.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below

Select...

I am between 18 and 64 years old.

Select...

I am a woman and my pregnancy test was negative.

Select...

I agree to use effective birth control or abstain from sex.

Select...

I am a man and agree to either not have sex or use double protection if my partner can get pregnant.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ up to 33 days

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~up to 33 days

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and up to 33 days for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Outcome measures can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary outcome measures

Change in clinical laboratory results

Change in physical examination results

Change in vital signs

+1 more

Secondary outcome measures

Change in SARS-CoV-2 RNA shedding

Mean change in symptoms

Proportion of rebounds

+5 more

Trial Design

3Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Placebo Group

Group I: Low Dose of RQ-01Experimental Treatment1 Intervention

Subjects in this arm will receive 5 mg per day (for 3 days) of RQ-01

Group II: High Dose of RQ-01Experimental Treatment1 Intervention

Subjects in this arm will receive 10 mg per day (for 3 days) of RQ-01

Group III: PlaceboPlacebo Group1 Intervention

Subjects in this arm will receive 0 mg per day (for 3 days) of RQ-01

0 / 4Eligibility criteria met

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

Common treatments for COVID-19, particularly antiviral therapies, work by targeting various stages of the virus's life cycle to reduce viral load and alleviate symptoms. These treatments often inhibit viral replication, block viral entry into host cells, or enhance the immune response. For example, drugs like remdesivir inhibit the viral RNA polymerase, preventing the virus from replicating its genetic material. This is crucial for COVID-19 patients as it can reduce the severity and duration of symptoms, lower the risk of complications, and decrease the likelihood of virus transmission.

Conducting and critically appraising a high-quality systematic review and Meta-analysis pertaining to COVID-19.What to expect from different drugs used in the treatment of COVID-19: A study on applications and in vivo and in vitro results.Current status of COVID-19 treatment: An opinion review.

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

PPDIndustry Sponsor

161 Previous Clinical Trials

36,923 Total Patients Enrolled

4 Trials studying COVID-19

230 Patients Enrolled for COVID-19

Red Queen Therapeutics, Inc.Lead Sponsor

Paul Eisenberg, MD, MPHStudy DirectorRed Queen Therapeutics

~40 spots leftby Jun 2025

Unbiased ResultsWe believe in providing patients with all the options.

Your Data Stays Your DataWe only share your information with the clinical trials you're trying to access.

Verified Trials OnlyAll of our trials are run by licensed doctors, researchers, and healthcare companies.