WILLIAMSBURG — Tidewater Physicians Multispecialty Group (TPMG) Clinical Research Division in Williamsburg is seeking participants for a research study regarding an oral medication that could be used as a possible preventative for COVID-19 in households where an individual recently tested positive for the virus.
An Oct. 6 press release from TPMG states that the trial will study efficacy of the Merck-manufactured oral medication, Molnupiravir, and its preventative nature for household members who live in close quarters with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
Participants will take part in a placebo-controlled study, which means that those involved in the trial will have a 50 percent chance of receiving the drug or the control. The pill will be taken by participants twice a day for five days.
“We’re doing something to try and help the people that can’t get vaccinated,” said TPMG Williamsburg’s Clinical Research Director Vijay Subramaniam, MD, FCCP.
Dr. Subramaniam is also serving as the lead investigator during the trial.
if approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other pertinent regulatory bodies, Molnupiravir would be the first oral antiviral medication used to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.
In order to qualify, participants must meet the following criteria:
- 18 years or older
- Living with a single individual (no age requirement) who tested positive for COVID-19 or any history of laboratory-confirmed infection
- Must not have received the COVID-19 vaccine
TPMG notes that vaccination is still the safest and most effective way to prevent COVID-19. The trial for this medication is meant to provide prevention and protection for those who have not or cannot receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
To learn more or to see if you qualify, call (757) 707-3503 or send an email to clinicaltrials@tpmgpc.com.
To schedule an appointment to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, contact your healthcare provider or visit the website for Vaccinate Virginia.