The UK Launches Programme to Fast-Track Covid-19 Drug Trials

By Staff Reporter - 29 May '20 23:19PM

(Photo : Unsplash)

The world is in a combined race to develop a treatment for the Covid-19 outbreak. Scientists and researchers have been working on potential drugs and vaccines which could help to protect the population from the deadly virus.

Now, the UK government has launched a programme to fast-track Covid-19 drug trials. The programme, known as ACCORD, aims to find a cure or treatment quickly, speeding up the usual drug trial process.

Here, we'll look at the new programme and the potential risks of speeding up drug trials in the country.

What is ACCORD?

The ACCORD programme aims to fast-track drugs through the early stages of clinical trials. Traditionally, the process is long and complex. However, in order to find a treatment for COVID-19, the laws have been temporarily relaxed.

It has been created by the Therapeutics Taskforce, the government's COVID-19 treatment specialists. The programme has already seen the first drug fast-tracked, known as bemcentinib by BerGenBio.

Taking part in this programme is beneficial for pharmaceutical companies. However, it could prove risky for patients.

More patients required for tests

A joint letter has been sent to each NHS Trust in the country by the four chief medical officers in the UK and the medical director of NHS England and Improvement's. They have been tasked with enrolling more patients into COVID-19 clinical trials.

The letters have advised clinicians to enrol patients as quickly as possible into the trials. This is to ensure results can be provided quickly.

What are the potential risks involved?

While it is great steps are being taken to speed up the process of a COVID-19 treatment, there are risks involved. There are reasons clinical trials are usually provided over a period of time. It allows patients to be properly monitored and any adverse reactions to be picked up on.

If a treatment is found to be effective but all of the side effects haven't been recorded, it could pose serious health risks. Those who have been enrolled may end up requiring medical negligence solicitors if something goes wrong. It is risky and could pose a lot of problems for the government if something does go wrong.

While it is great medical experts are working around the clock to find a cure, rushing the process may not be ideal. Problems could occur, particularly for those who are partaking in the fast-tracked trials.