Investigation of the Efficacy of CARDIO Softgels PLUS Best-standard-of-care in the Recovery of Patients With COVID-19

Investigation of the Efficacy of CARDIO Softgels PLUS Best-standard-of-care in the Recovery of Patients With COVID-19

A Randomized, Open-label, Parallel Study to Investigate the Efficacy of CARDIO Softgels PLUS Best-standard-of-care in the Recovery of Patients With COVID-19 Who Are Hospitalized as Well as Patients Following the Guidance From Public Health

Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by SARS-CoV-2, a plus-sense single-stranded RNA virus. After an incubation period, which typically lasts for 5-6 days, COVID-19 patients present with a mild illness that lasts for a few days. Common symptoms are reminiscent of the flu, and include fever, dry cough and dyspnea. A large percentage of patients resolve the infection whereas others progress onto adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) which impedes gas exchange between the alveolar space and the bloodstream and creates the need for assisted respiration. The objective of this study is to investigate the safety and efficacy of CARDIO supplementation in the recovery of those with COVID-19 infection following the guidance from public health by reducing the need for mechanical respiratory support, alleviating respiratory symptoms and reducing mortality.

SARS-CoV-2, a plus-sense single-stranded RNA virus, is the etiologic agent of COVID-19. After an incubation period, which typically lasts for 5-6 days. COVID-19 patients present with a mild illness that lasts for a few days. Common symptoms are reminiscent of the flu, and include fever, dry cough and dyspnea. A large percentage of patients resolve the infection whereas others progress onto adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) which impedes gas exchange between the alveolar space and the bloodstream and creates the need for assisted respiration. It is estimated that between 5-10% of asthma patients do not respond to steroid-based therapies and require higher doses of medication to achieve control of their disease, or have asthma exacerbations, persistent symptoms and airway obstruction despite greater medication use. These steroid-resistant asthmatics typically have greater morbidity and disproportionately require 50-80% of asthma-related health care costs. The compromised state of the lung in steroid-resistant asthma patients is similar to former smoker patients, for which eosinophil presence in the lung is believed to be a major pro-inflammatory effector cell in the pathogenesis of asthma. Further, in the United States, chronic lung disease (primarily asthma) was the second most prevalent underlying condition in those admitted to hospital for COVID-19 infection in adults ages 18-49. CARDIO is a safe, natural, salmon oil based, eosinophil effector function (EEF) reducing, softgel formulation. Fish oil, inclusive of salmon oil, or marine-derived omega-3 supplements have been established as cardioprotective. CARDIO has been studied in human clinical studies for the treatment of cardiovascular disease, and as an antioxidant, with an excellent safety record. CARDIO has demonstrated therapeutic potential for the treatment of allergic and inflammatory conditions, particularly those involving eosinophil effector functions. Specifically, CARDIO at 100 ug/ml inhibited eosinophil response to chemoattractant CCL11 in a Shape Change assay; inhibited eosinophil response to chemoattractant CCL11 in an integrin (CD11b) surface upregulation assay; and significantly enhanced apoptosis, in eosinophils sourced from immuno-modulated individuals. Previous studies have shown that fish oil reduces recruitment and infiltration of eosinophils into airways. Among the bioactive components in fish oil, it has been demonstrated that the docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has an inhibitory effect on proliferation and migration of eosinophils. In vitro and animal dosing studies have been completed for therapeutic dose determination for an accelerated Phase 2 trial application. Rationale: Although the exact mechanism of action is unknown, based on in vitro and in vivo studies, it is hypothesized that CARDIO may reduce morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 by protecting respiratory epithelium and alveolar pneumocytes from eosinophil-mediated damage. In light of the mechanism of action outlined above, it is possible that CARDIO could be used as a therapeutic for COVID-19 with the goal of preventing progression into severe disease and in particular in preventing the need of a mechanical ventilation. Study population: The population being investigated are hospitalized patients, all with mild to moderate respiratory distress due to COVID-19. Though the age has a reasonably wide range to facilitate recruitment, the exclusions in place provide the required guidance measures to ensure patient safety and address associated comorbidities. Individuals most prone to SARS-CoV-2 and hospitalization as a result of SARS-CoV-2 infection are those with co-morbidities such as older age, cancer, cardiovascular disease and hypertension, type I or II diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, obesity and on immunosuppressive treatments. Therefore, participants with the above co-morbidities will comprise the population of interest. However, in this context, each participant will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Qualified Investigator to ensure all inclusions and none of the exclusions are met, and that the safety of their participation in the study is critically evaluated. The requirement of mild to moderate COVID-19 will be assessed using the most up- to-date National Institutes of Health (NIH) Treatment Guidelines for the Clinical Presentation of People with SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Using the NIH guidelines for clinical presentation of COVID-19 and identification of mild and moderate disease severity will ensure potential patients are evaluated based on the most up-to-date information in the ever changing COVID-19 research landscape. The safety of patients will be assessed at each assessment day, a Data and Safety Monitoring Board will be established, and an interim analysis is planned to guide safe continuation of the study. The objectives of this randomized, open-label study is to investigate the safety and efficacy of CARDIO plus best standard-of-care in reducing the need for mechanical respiratory support, alleviating respiratory symptoms and reducing mortality in patients with COVID-19 infection in patients who are hospitalized. The SPIRIT statement for protocols items for trials are followed and the reporting will be done in accordance with the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) Statement.

Proportion of patients requiring mechanical ventilator until end-of-study, when comparing Best Standard of Care treatment (BSC) plus CARDIO unrefined salmon oil vs. BSC alone

Clinical improvement assessed by the National Early Warning Score (NEWS) at Day 10, Day 14, Day 28 or day of discharge. Assessed by the National Early Warning Score (NEWS) which is a standardized tool that assesses disease severity and monitoring of patients in hospital. An aggregate score of respiration rate, oxygen saturation, systolic blood pressure, pulse rate, level of consciousness and temperature and the score is increased if supplemental oxygen is required. Each parameter is based on a scale of 0 - 3. 0=good, 3=poor

Clinical status assessed by the WHO Ordinal Scale for Clinical Improvement at Day 10, Day 14, Day 28 or day of discharge. Assessed by the WHO Ordinal Scale for Clinical Improvement which examines changes in clinical status and/or survival specific to COVID-19. This 8-point scale measures illness severity over time. 0 = no infection and 8 = dead

Time to clinical recovery, defined as normalization of fever, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and alleviation of cough, sustained for at least 72 hours, at Day 28 or day of discharge

Time to improvement in oxygenation for at least 48 hours, defined by an increase in SpO2/FiO2 of 50 mmHg or greater compared to the nadir SpO2/FiO2, at Day 28 or day of discharge

Quality of life assessed by the COVID-19 QoL questionnaire at Day 0, Day 10, Day 14, and Day 28. Assessed by the COVID-19 QoL questionnaire which asks questions about incident of different parameters related to deteriorating. It is on a scale of 1-5. 1=completely disagree, 5 = completely agree.

The difference between BSC plus CARDIO vs. BSC alone on duration of mechanical ventilator use until end-of-study

Oxygenation requirements assessed by oxygen saturation rates based on number of oxygenation free days during hospital stay

Oxygenation requirements during hospital stay, on day of discharge if prior to Day 28 and on Day 28, assessed by oxygen saturation rates based on number of oxygenation free days during hospital stay

Oxygenation requirements assessed by oxygen saturation rates based on incidence of new oxygen use, non-invasive ventilation or high flow oxygen devices

Oxygenation requirements during hospital stay, on day of discharge if prior to Day 28 and on Day 28, assessed by oxygen saturation rates based on incidence of new oxygen use, non-invasive ventilation or high flow oxygen devices

Oxygenation requirements assessed by oxygen saturation rates based on duration of new oxygen use, non-invasive ventilation or high flow oxygen devices

Oxygenation requirements during hospital stay, on day of discharge if prior to Day 28 and on Day 28, assessed by oxygen saturation rates based on duration of new oxygen use, non-invasive ventilation or high flow oxygen devices

The difference between BSC plus CARDIO vs. BSC alone on the number of days from hospital admission to hospital discharge

The difference between BSC plus CARDIO vs. BSC alone on the total number of days on ventilator at Day 28 or day of discharge

The difference between BSC plus CARDIO vs. BSC alone on the number of days in intensive care unit (ICU) at Day 28 or day of discharge

The difference between BSC plus CARDIO vs. BSC alone on body temperature measurements after discharge and to end of study (Day 28)

The difference between BSC plus CARDIO vs. BSC alone on oxygen saturation measurements after discharge and to end of study (Day 28). Oxygen saturation saturation measurements recorded using a pulse oximeter.

The difference between BSC plus CARDIO vs. BSC alone on COVID-19 QoL measurements after discharge and to end of study (Day 28). Quality of life assessed by the COVID-19 QoL questionnaire which asks questions about incident of different parameters related to deteriorating. It is on a scale of 1-5. 1=completely disagree, 5 = completely agree.

Incidence of pre-emergent and post-emergent adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs) during the 28 days of supplementation or until day of discharge and during home follow up

Systolic and diastolic blood pressure values for the CARDIO softgel + BSC group will be compared with those of the BSC group during the 28-day supplementation period or until day of discharge and during home follow up

Heart rate values for the CARDIO softgel + BSC group will be compared with those of the BSC group during the 28-day supplementation period or until day of discharge and during home follow up

BMI values for the CARDIO softgel + BSC group will be compared with those of the BSC group using statistical analysis to determine significant difference between the two groups. Samples are taken in the days stated below.

CBC values for the CARDIO softgel + BSC group will be compared with those of the BSC group using statistical analysis to determine significant difference between the two groups. Samples are taken in the days stated below.

AST values for the CARDIO softgel + BSC group will be compared with those of the BSC group using statistical analysis to determine significant difference between the two groups. Samples are taken in the days stated below.

ALT values for the CARDIO softgel + BSC group will be compared with those of the BSC group using statistical analysis to determine significant difference between the two groups. Samples are taken in the days stated below.

ALP values for the CARDIO softgel + BSC group will be compared with those of the BSC group using statistical analysis to determine significant difference between the two groups. Samples are taken in the days stated below.

Bilirubin values for the CARDIO softgel + BSC group will be compared with those of the BSC group using statistical analysis to determine significant difference between the two groups. Samples are taken in the days stated below.

Sodium ion values for the CARDIO softgel + BSC group will be compared with those of the BSC group using statistical analysis to determine significant difference between the two groups. Samples are taken in the days stated below.

Potassium ion values for the CARDIO softgel + BSC group will be compared with those of the BSC group using statistical analysis to determine significant difference between the two groups. Samples are taken in the days stated below.

Chloride ion values for the CARDIO softgel + BSC group will be compared with those of the BSC group using statistical analysis to determine significant difference between the two groups. Samples are taken in the days stated below.

Creatinine values for the CARDIO softgel + BSC group will be compared with those of the BSC group using statistical analysis to determine significant difference between the two groups. Samples are taken in the days stated below.

eGFR values for the CARDIO softgel + BSC group will be compared with those of the BSC group using statistical analysis to determine significant difference between the two groups. Samples are taken in the days stated below.

HbA1c values for the CARDIO softgel + BSC group will be compared with those of the BSC group using statistical analysis to determine significant difference between the two groups. Samples are taken in the days stated below.

eGFR values for the CARDIO softgel + BSC group will be compared with those of the BSC group using statistical analysis to determine significant difference between the two groups. Samples are taken in the days stated below.

Inclusion Criteria: Patients with signs and symptoms corresponding to COVID-19 viral infection and: Admitted to hospital and who have been initiated with BSC treatment with mild to moderate disease as defined by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Treatment Guidelines Confirmation of COVID-19 infection This will be assessed by secondary laboratory confirmation of SARS-CoV-2 infection by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or comparable methodology used by the hospital from any diagnostic sampling - source for analysis and recovery Males and females between 18 and 75 years of age, inclusive Female patient is not of child-bearing potential, defined as females who have undergone a sterilization procedure (e.g. hysterectomy, bilateral oophorectomy, bilateral tubal ligation, complete endometrial ablation) or have been post-menopausal for at least 1 year prior to screening Or, Females of child-bearing potential must have a negative urine pregnancy test and agree to use a medically approved method of birth control for the duration of the study. All hormonal birth control must have been in use for a minimum of three months. Acceptable methods of birth control include: Hormonal contraceptives including oral contraceptives, hormone birth control patch (Ortho Evra), vaginal contraceptive ring (NuvaRing), injectable contraceptives (Depo-Provera, Lunelle), or hormone implant (Norplant System) Double-barrier method Intrauterine devices Non-heterosexual lifestyle or agrees to use contraception if planning on changing to heterosexual partner(s) Vasectomy of partner at least 6 months prior to screening Willingness to complete assessments, questionnaires and records associated with the study Provided voluntary, written, informed consent to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: Women who are pregnant, breast feeding, or planning to become pregnant during the study Inability to take medications orally Individuals with a known fish allergy or hypersensitivity reaction Individuals with uncontrolled hypotension (systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg) or need for vasopressor/inotropic medication Individuals with renal impairment This will be assessed by increase of creatinine by 50% from baseline, glomerular filtration rate reduction by >25% from baseline or urine output of <0.5 ml/kg for 6 hours) Individuals with gastrointestinal symptoms that require hospitalization (e.g. severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or/and abdominal pain) Any other condition, that, in the opinion of the QI, may adversely affect the patient's ability to complete the study or its measures or pose significant risk to the patient.