Donated Antibodies Working Against nCoV

This a phase II, proof-of-concept study. In the present study, we investigate if the administration of blood-plasma from patients recovered from COVID-19, could be effective to treat patients who are severely ill because of a COVID-19 infection. The general idea behind the transfusion, is that plasma of recovered patients contains antibodies that could eliminate the novel coronavirus causing COVID-19, and lead to a less severe course of the disease, or a faster healing. Simply put, in this study we would like to investigate whether 'borrowed immunity' from a person who has cured from this disease, could be applied to cure other patients more rapidly.

In December 2019, a new coronavirus (the SARS-CoV-2 virus) emerged, which spread fast across the world, and has led to a pandemic. The disease caused by this virus, called COVID-19, has a mild course in a high number of infected people, but is known to have a more severe course in some. Currently, there are no successful treatments with a known effect on the course of the disease in patients suffering from COVID-19. In this study, we will examine whether plasma, a treatment that has been used in human subjects for other diseases (and is known to be safe), can be used to influence the course of COVID-19 towards a lower severity.

The aim of the study is to evaluate clinical efficacy and safety of convalescent plasma for COVID-19.

This clinical trial is an adaptive, randomized, open-label phase II proof-of-concept study to investigate the safety and effect of potentially interesting treatments, for the treatment of hospitalized adult patients suffering from COVID-19.

Because an active treatment for COVID-19 is lacking, plasma donation is now being proposed. To investigate this effect of plasma, we will compare two groups of patients. One group will get standard treatment, plus plasma from a patient recently cured from COVID-19. A second group will get standard treatment alone. In this study, 2 patients out of 3 will receive plasma, and 1 patient out of 3 will receive standard treatment alone. After the study, we will be able to establish whether plasma donation is useful or not.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Subject (≥18 years old) or legally authorized representative provides informed consent prior to initiation of any study procedures.
2. Subject (or legally authorized representative) understands and agrees to comply with planned study procedures.
3. Male or non-pregnant female adult ≥18 years of age at time of enrolment.
4. Patient should be hospitalized
5. Has a confirmed diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection, defined as either:

   1. laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection as determined by PCR, or other commercial or public health assay in any specimen as diagnosed within 60 hours prior to randomization or
   2. The combination of upper or lower respiratory infection symptoms (fever, cough, dyspnea, desaturation) and typical findings on chest CT scan and absence of other plausible diagnoses
6. Illness of any duration, and at least one of the following:

   1. Radiographic infiltrates by imaging (chest x-ray, CT scan, etc.), or
   2. Clinical assessment (evidence of rales/crackles on exam) AND SpO2 ≤ 94% on room air, or
   3. Requiring supplemental oxygen.
7. ABO D typing of the patient should be done at least once and the result should be known.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Receiving invasive (any mode where a patient has been intubated endotracheally, or via tracheostomy) or non-invasive (for instance, but not restricted to CPAP, PSV, PCV, SiMV) mechanical ventilation before or upon randomization.
2. Pregnancy or breast feeding.
3. Any medical condition which would impose an unacceptable safety hazard by participation to the study.
4. Patients with a documented grade 3 allergic reaction after the administration of fresh frozen plasma (i.e. systemic reaction with cardiovascular and/or respiratory involvement)
5. Patients that have treatment restriction that excludes mechanical ventilation and/or endotracheal intubation
6. Rituximab or another anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (f.ex. obinutuzumab) has been administered during the year prior of the date of admission.