Pakistan Randomized and Observational Trial to Evaluate Coronavirus Treatment (PROTECT®) trial is a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial that aims to identify treatments of COVID-19 Infection through Hydroxychloroquine, Oseltamivir and Azithromycin .

Trial Intro

Prof. Javed Akram

Vice Chancellor, University of Health Sciences & Principal Investigator

Several experts foresaw the emergence of zoonotic viruses like SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) following SARS-1 and MERS-CoV within last two decades. They owed it to the underlying burden of expanding human populations that encroach upon traditional habitats and ecosystems in the backdrop of ongoing climate disruption, one of the most formidable challenges to lifestyles and economies. Going by the observation, SARS-CoV-2 may not be the last pandemic to inflict long lasting damage with no reliable treatment available. The race is on to develop complementing diagnostic and treatment strategies to control the spread of this zoonotic virus. Along the way, myths and scandals have been chronicled. Antimalarial and ant-arthritic drug Hydroxychloroquine would probably feature in every historic reference to the ongoing pandemic. Billed as miracle drug by some while quickly debunked by many others, it could well be the most self-prescribed drug for SARS-CoV-2.

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Coronavirus in Pakistan

Confirmed Cases

1,000

1,000

DEATHS


1,000

RECOVERED

1,000

TESTS


1 %

CASE FATALITY RATE

1,000

NEW DEATHS


1,000

NEW CASES

Source: Corona.Help

THE MAKING OF PROTECT

Pakistan Randomized and Observational Trial to Evaluate Coronavirus Treatment (PROTECT®) trial is a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial that aims to identify treatments of COVID-19 Infection through Hydroxychloroquine, Oseltamivir and Azithromycin .

An off-label randomized controlled trial PROTECT has been conceived at University of Health Sciences Lahore to evaluate the use of antimalarial, antibiotic, and an antiviral in stopping progression of mild to moderate symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 in Pakistani populations. It’s being undertaken by a capable team of physician-researchers representing a consortium of universities. Within the framework of Good Clinical Practices, findings from this study are expected to inform what works and what doesn’t. Ultimately, it’s a quest for a relatively low-cost and readily available treatment for a disease that otherwise has neither prevention nor treatment to date.

PROTECT TRIAL SITES

Prime Minister of Pakistan

H.E. IMRAN KHAN

Introducing PROTECT

Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Imran Khan was briefed on the occasion of COVID-19 Science Fair in Islamabad on 30th April, by Prof Javed Akram Vice-Chancellor University of Health Sciences Lahore & President, Pakistan Society of Internal Medicine on initiatives taken with regards to Covid-19 Pandemic. The Prime Minister applauded the efforts being made by the University. The PM took keen interest in the landmark Pakistan Randomized and Observational Trial to Evaluate Coronavirus Treatment (PROTECT) project of University of Health Sciences Lahore.

Trial Flow