A Randomized Trial of Nafamostat for Covid-19

Susan C. Morpeth, Balasubramanian Venkatesh, James A. Totterdell, Grace M. McPhee, Robert K. Mahar, Mark Jones, Methma Bandara, Lauren A. Barina, Bhupendra K. Basnet, Asha C. Bowen, Andrew J. Burke, Belinda Cochrane, Justin T. Denholm, Ashesh Dhungana, Gregory J. Dore, Ravindra Dotel, Eamon Duffy, Jack Dummer, Hong Foo, Timothy L. GilbeyNaomi E. Hammond, Bernard J. Hudson, Vivekanand Jha, Purnima R. Jevaji, Oommen John, Rajesh Joshi, Gagandeep Kang, Baldeep Kaur, Seungtaek Kim, Santa Kumar Das, Jillian S.Y. Lau, Roberta Littleford, Julie A. Marsh, Ian C. Marschner, Gail Matthews, Michael J. Maze, Colin J. McArthur, James D. McFadyen, James H. McMahon, Zoe K. McQuilten, James Molton, Jocelyn M. Mora, Vijaybabu Mudaliar, Vi Nguyen, Matthew V.N. O’Sullivan, Suman Pant, Jaha E. Park, David L. Paterson, David J. Price, Nigel Raymond, Megan A. Rees, James O. Robinson, Benjamin A. Rogers, Wang-Shick Ryu, Joe Sasadeusz, Omar Shum, Thomas L. Snelling, Christine Sommerville, Nanette Trask, Sharon R. Lewin, Thomas E. Hills, Joshua S. Davis, Jason A. Roberts, Steven Y.C. Tong

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Nafamostat mesylate is a potent in vitro antiviral agent that inhibits the host transmembrane protease serine 2 enzyme used by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 for cell entry.

Methods: This open-label, pragmatic, randomized clinical trial in Australia, New Zealand, and Nepal included noncritically ill hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). Participants were randomly assigned to usual care or usual care plus nafamostat. The primary end point was death (any cause) or receipt of new invasive or noninvasive ventilation or vasopressor support within 28 days after randomization. Analysis was with a Bayesian logistic model in which an adjusted odds ratio <1.0 indicates improved outcomes with nafamostat. Enrollment was closed due to falling numbers of eligible patients.

Results: We screened 647 patients in 21 hospitals (15 in Australia, 4 in New Zealand, and 2 in Nepal) and enrolled 160 participants from May 2021 to August 2022. In the intention-to-treat population, the primary end point occurred in 8 (11%) of 73 patients with usual care and 4 (5%) of 82 with nafamostat. The median adjusted odds ratio for the primary end point for nafamostat was 0.40 (95% credible interval, 0.12 to 1.34) with a posterior probability of effectiveness (adjusted odds ratio <1.0) of 93%. For usual care compared with nafamostat, hyperkalemia occurred in 1 (1%) of 67 and 7 (9%) of 78 participants, respectively, and clinically relevant bleeding occurred in 1 (1%) of 73 and 7 (8%) of 82 participants.

Conclusions: Among hospitalized patients with Covid-19, there was a 93% posterior probability that nafamostat reduced the odds of death or organ support. Prespecified stopping criteria were not met, precluding definitive conclusions. Hyperkalemia and bleeding were more common with nafamostat.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages14
JournalNEJM Evidence
Volume2
Issue number11
Early online date18 Oct 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 24 Oct 2023
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Copyright © 2023 Massachusetts Medical Society.

Funding

ASCOT is supported by the Australian Partnership for Preparedness Research on Infectious Disease Emergencies, the BHP Foundation, Health Research Council (HRC) of New Zealand (HRC 20/1068), Hospital Research Foundation, the Macquarie Group Foundation, the Minderoo Foundation, the Pratt Foundation, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Foundation, the Common Good (the Prince Charles Hospital Foundation), Wesley Medical Research, Chong Kun Dang Pharmaceutical Corp., NSW Office for Health and Medical Research, Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF2002132 and MRF9200005), and the Russell and Womersley Foundation.

FundersFunder number
Australian Partnership for Preparedness Research on Infectious Disease Emergencies
BHP Foundation
Health Research Council of New ZealandHRC 20/1068
Hospital Research Foundation
Macquarie Group Foundation
Minderoo Foundation
Pratt Foundation
Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Foundation
The Common Good
Wesley Medical Research
Chong Kun Dang Pharmaceutical
NSW Health and Medical Research
Australian GovernmentMRFF2002132, MRF9200005
Russell and Womersley Foundation

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