Clinical trial NCT04353596
Conditions: SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19
Keywords: ACE-inhibitors RAS system angiotensin receptor blockers SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19
Sponsor: Medical University Innsbruck
Start date: 2020-04-20; Completion date: 2021-02-24
Enrollment: 216 participants; Allocation: RANDOMIZED; Intervention model: PARALLEL

Brief summary:
ACEI-COVID-19 is a multicenter, randomized trial testing the hypothesis that stopping/replacing chronic treatment with ACE-inhibitors (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) improves outcomes in symptomatic SARS-CoV2-infected patients

Detailed description:
The COVID-19 pandemic currently poses unprecedented challenges to the health systems of all countries. Experimental studies show that the SARS-CoV2 virus enters human cells via the angiotensin converting enzyme II receptor 2 (ACE2). ACE inhibitors (ACEI) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) can lead to an increase in the expression of ACE2. Therefore, there is concern that in patients treated with ACEI or ARB, the absorption of the virus is facilitated, thereby accelerating its spread in the body.

ACEI-COVID tests the hypothesis that stopping chronic ACEI / ARB therapy in SARS-CoV2-infected patients improves outcomes.

Arms: arm 1: Chronic treatment with ACEI or ARB will be stopped or replaced. arm 2: No intervention, which means further treatment with ACEI or ARB.
Interventions: intervention 1: ACE inhibitor, angiotensin receptor blocker
Intervention descriptions: intervention 1: In patients randomized to stopping / replacing ACEI or ARB, it may be necessary to switch to another drug without direct effect on the RAS system. In patients, randomized to continuation, it may be needed to stop ACEI or ARB (e.g. hypotension with beginning sepsis) irrespective of the study.

Protocol documents:
Prot_SAP_000.pdf: 
Short title:  
ACEI- COVID-19 
 
 
Date: 
06.04.2020 
 
Clinical Investigation Plan 
 
 
Stopping ACE-inhibitors in COVID-19  
 
 
ACEI-COVID-19 
 
 
 
EudraCT 2020-001206-35 
NCT04553596 
Version: 2.6 
Date: 06.04.2020 
 
 
Confidentiality 
The information provided in this clinical investigation plan are strictly confidential and will only be 
available for potential investigators, involved investigators and their study team as well as for the medical 
director of the conducting hospital, health authorities and ethics committees to review, verify or 
implement the clinical trial. Any publication or disclosure to a third party without prior written consent of 
the sponsor is expressly prohibited. By signing the clinical investigation plan, the provisions of this 
clinical investigation plan are for all parties binding. 


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19 
Date: 
06.04.02020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
2/50 
 
General Information 
Sponsor of the Clinical Trial 
Medizinische Universität Innsbruck/ Medical 
University Innsbruck 
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Axel Bauer 
Christoph-Probst-Platz 
Innrain 52 
Phone: +43 512 504 25621 
Fax: +43 512 504 25622 
Axel.Bauer@i-med.ac.at 
Coordinating Investigator of the Clinical Trial 
Medizinische Universität Innsbruck/ Medical 
University Innsbruck 
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Axel Bauer 
Univ.-Klinik für Innere Medizin III/ Department of 
Internal Medicine III 
Anichstrasse 35 
6020 Innsbruck 
Phone: +43 512 504 25621 
Fax: +43 512 504 25622 
Axel.Bauer@i-med.ac.at 
Study Coordinator  
Medizinische Universität Innsbruck/ Medical 
University Innsbruck 
Dr. Michael Schreinlechner  
Univ.-Klinik für Innere Medizin III/ Department of 
Internal Medicine III 
Anichstrasse 35 
6020 Innsbruck 
Phone: +43 512 504 81308 
Fax: +43 512 504 25622 
Michael.Schreinlechner@i-med.ac.at 
Author of the Clinical Investigation Plan 
Steering Comittee bestehend aus:  
Axel Bauer, Steffen Massberg, Konstantinos 
Rizas, Günter Weiss, Herbert Tilg, Dominik Wolf, 
Michael v. Bergwelt, Julia Mayerle, Florian 
Kronenberg, Oliver Keppler, Karl Jauch 
Statistician 
Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Ulrich Mansmann 
Institut für medizinische 
Informationsverarbeitung, Biometrie und 
Epidemiologie (IBE) 


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19 
Date: 
06.04.02020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
3/50 
 
Marchioninistr. 15, 
81377 München 
 
 
 


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19 
Date: 
06.04.02020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
4/50 
 
Signatures 
Title: 
Stopping ACE-inhibitors in COVID-19 
Short Title: 
ACEI-COVID-19 
EudraCT-No.: 
2020-001206-35 
Investigational Medicinal 
Product: 
Medicinal product of the ATC Group C09A, C09B, C09C, C09D. 
 
 
Declaration of the Sponsor 
The present clinical investigation plan (CIP) was subject to critical review. Its content is consistent with 
the current risk/benefit evaluation of the investigational medicinal product (IMP) as well as with moral, 
ethical and scientific principles of good clinical practice (GCP), the latest version of the Declaration of 
Helsinki, the local laws and regulations as well as applicable regulatory requirements. 
With the signature below the person confirms to have read this Clinical Investigation Plan and to agree 
that it contains all information required for study performance. Furthermore, the person agrees to 
conduct the study as set in this CIP and to adhere to the sponsor’s standard operation procedure 
(SOPs), if provided and as far as agreed. It has been understood that all documentation previously not 
published will be kept confidential. Furthermore the person agrees to take all necessary measures to 
ensure safety and confidentiality of the patient´s identities. 
 
 
 
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Axel Bauer 
 Medical University of Innsbruck/ Medical 
University of Innsbruck 
Head of Department of Internal Medicine III 
 
 
 
 
_______________________________________ 
Place, Date Signature 
 
 


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19 
Date: 
06.04.02020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
5/50 
 
Signatures 
Study Title: 
Stopping ACE-inhibitors in COVID-19 
Short Title: 
ACEI-COVID-19 
EudraCT-No.: 
2020-001206-35 
Investigational Medicinal 
Product: 
Medicinal product of the ATC Group C09A, C09B, C09C, C09D. 
 
 
Declaration of the Author, the Coordinating 
Principal Investigator and the Statistician 
The present CIP was subject to critical review. Its content is consistent with the current risk/benefit 
evaluation of the IMP as well as with moral, ethical and scientific principles of GCP, the latest version of 
the Declaration of Helsinki, the local laws and regulations as well as applicable regulatory requirements. 
With their signature below the persons confirm to have read this Clinical Investigation Plan and to agree 
that it contains all information required for study performance. Furthermore, the persons agree to 
conduct the study as set in this CIP and to adhere to the sponsor’s SOPs (as far as agreed and 
provided). It has been understood that all documentation previously not published will be kept 
confidential. Furthermore the persons agree to keep patient´s identities in strictest confidence and to 
take all required measures to ensure this confidentiality. 
 
 
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Axel Bauer 
 Medical University of Innsbruck/ Medical 
University of Innsbruck 
Head of Department of Internal Medicine III 
Author & Coordinating Principal Investigator 
 
 
 
 
_______________________________________ 
Place, Date, Signature 
 
Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Ulrich Mansmann 
Head of Institute for Medical Information 
Processing, Biometry, and Epidemiology, LMU 
Munich 
Statistican 
 
 
 
Munich, 06.04.2020 
________________________________ 
Place, Date, Signature 
 


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19 
Date: 
06.04.02020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
6/50 
 
List of Study Sites 
Names and addresses of all trial centres and their investigators are listed in the document "Participating 
Trial Centres" as amended 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19 
Date: 
06.04.02020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
7/50 
 
Site-specific Signatures 
Study Title: 
Stopping ACE-inhibitors in COVID-19 
 
Short Title: 
ACEI-COVID-19 
 
EudraCT-No.: 
2020-001206-35 
 
Investigational Medicinal 
Product: 
Medicinal product of the ATC Group C09A, C09B, C09C, C09D. 
 
 
The statement(s) of the Principal Investigator and his/her deputy for each participating centre are 
documented in the centre-specific document. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19 
Date: 
06.04.02020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
8/50 
 
Additional involved Persons and Institutions 
List name and address of each additional involved person or institution including full contact detail such 
as telephone/fax number and email address as shown below: 
 
Laboratory 
Zentralinstitut für med. u. chem. Labordiagnostik (ZIMCL) 
Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck 
 
Contact person: Univ.-Prof.in Dr.in Andrea Griesmacher 
phone.: 050 504-24090 
Fax: 050 504-24088 
Data management 
Institute of Genetic Epidemiology 
Schöpfstrasse 41, 6020 Innsbruck 
 
Contact person: Univ.-Prof. Dr. Florian Kronenberg 
phone.: 0512 9003-70560 
Virology 
Max von Pettenkofer Institute, Virology 
Faculty of Medicine, LMU München 
Pettenkoferstr. 9a 
80336 München, Deutschland 
 
Contact person Univ.-Prof. Prof. Oliver T. Keppler 
phone: +49 89 2180 72901 
Fax: +49 89 2180 72902 
Monitoring 
Competence Center for Clinical Trials 
Anichstraße 29, 6020 Innsbruck 
 
Contact person: Mag. Sabine Embacher-Aichhorn 
phone: 0512 9003-70085 
 


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19 
Date: 
06.04.02020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
9/50 
 
Table of Content 
1. 
Introduction ................................................................................................. 19 
1.1 
Study Background ................................................................................................................. 19 
1.2 
Need of the Study .................................................................................................................. 21 
1.3 
Risk-Benefit Analysis ............................................................................................................. 22 
2. 
Study Objectives ......................................................................................... 24 
2.1 
Primary Study Objective ........................................................................................................ 24 
2.2 
Secondary Study Objectives ................................................................................................. 24 
3. 
Study Design ............................................................................................... 24 
3.1 
Study Description .................................................................................................................. 24 
3.2 
Endpoints ............................................................................................................................... 25 
3.3 
Timetable ............................................................................................................................... 26 
4. 
Study Population ........................................................................................ 26 
4.1 
Number of Patients ................................................................................................................ 26 
4.2 
Inclusion Criteria .................................................................................................................... 26 
4.3 
Exclusion Criteria ................................................................................................................... 27 
4.4 
Withdrawal of study subjects after study start ....................................................................... 27 
5. 
Study Procedures ....................................................................................... 28 
5.1 
General Study Procedures and Assessments Schedule ....................................................... 28 
5.2 
Screening Visit (Day –3 to 0) ................................................................................................. 29 
5.3 
Visit 1 (Baseline - Day 0) ....................................................................................................... 29 
5.4 
Control Visits (Day 1 - 29) ..................................................................................................... 31 
5.5 
End of Treatment (Day 30) .................................................................................................... 32 
5.6 
Discontinuation of the Study/Premature Termination of the Trial .......................................... 32 
5.7 
Unscheduled Visits ................................................................................................................ 33 
5.8 
Further treatment after end of treatment ............................................................................... 33 
5.9 
Closure of trial centres/premature termination of the clinical trial .......................................... 33 
5.10 
Closure of the Study .............................................................................................................. 34 
6. 
Study Medication (IMP) .............................................................................. 34 
6.1 
Name and Description of Investigational Medicinal Product (IMP) ........................................ 34 
6.2 
Name and Description of Placebo/Comparable Product ....................................................... 34 


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19 
Date: 
06.04.02020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
10/50 
 
6.3 
Dosage and Administration ................................................................................................... 34 
6.4 
Dose Modifications ................................................................................................................ 34 
6.5 
Concomitant Medication ........................................................................................................ 35 
6.6 
Labelling ................................................................................................................................ 35 
6.7 
Handling of IMP at the Site and Drug Accountability ............................................................. 35 
7. 
Adverse Events ........................................................................................... 35 
7.1 
Summary of known and possible Adverse Events of the IMP ............................................... 35 
7.2 
Adverse Events ..................................................................................................................... 36 
7.3 
Serious Adverse Events ........................................................................................................ 36 
7.4 
Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) & Unexpected Adverse Drug Reaction ................................. 37 
7.5 
Grading of Severity of Adverse Events .................................................................................. 37 
7.6 
Causality ................................................................................................................................ 37 
7.7 
Reporting Procedures ............................................................................................................ 38 
8. 
Documentation ............................................................................................ 41 
8.1 
Data Recording ...................................................................................................................... 41 
8.2 
Trial Folders ........................................................................................................................... 41 
8.3 
Data Storage ......................................................................................................................... 42 
9. 
Data Management ....................................................................................... 42 
10. 
Protocol Deviations .................................................................................... 43 
11. 
Statistics ...................................................................................................... 43 
11.1 
Randomization ....................................................................................................................... 44 
11.2 
Statistical Design, Methods and Analysis process ................................................................ 44 
12. 
Quality Management ................................................................................... 45 
12.1 
Qualifications ......................................................................................................................... 46 
12.2 
Monitoring .............................................................................................................................. 46 
12.3 
Audits and Inspections .......................................................................................................... 46 
13. 
Reporting ..................................................................................................... 46 
13.1 
Final Study Report ................................................................................................................. 47 
13.2 
Publication ............................................................................................................................. 47 
14. 
Amendments ............................................................................................... 47 
15. 
Ethical and Regulatory Aspects ................................................................ 47 


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19 
Date: 
06.04.02020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
11/50 
 
15.1 
Responsibilities of Sponsor and Investigator ......................................................................... 47 
15.2 
Approval of Ethics Committee and Notification to the Authority ............................................ 48 
15.3 
Patient Information and Consent Form .................................................................................. 48 
15.4 
Insurance ............................................................................................................................... 48 
15.5 
Data Protection and Confidentiality ....................................................................................... 49 
15.6 
Financing ............................................................................................................................... 49 
15.7 
Regulatory Aspects ............................................................................................................... 49 
16. 
Committees ................................................................................................. 49 
16.1 
Steering Committee ............................................................................................................... 49 
16.2 
Event Adjunction Committee ................................................................................................. 49 
17. 
Appendix ...................................................................................................... 50 
18. 
Literature ..................................................................................................... 50 
 
 
 


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19 
Date: 
06.04.02020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
12/50 
 
Abbreviations and Definitions 
ADR 
Adverse Drug Reaction  
AE 
Adverse Event  
AMG 
Austrian Pharmaceutical Act 
CDM 
Clinical Data Management 
CDMS 
Clinical Data Management System 
CI 
Coordinating Investigator    
CRF 
Case Report Form 
CRO 
Contract Research Organization 
CTCAE 
Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events 
DCF 
Data Clarification Form 
DIBD 
Development International Birth Date 
DMC 
Data Monitoring Committee 
DMP 
Data Management Plan 
DSMB 
Data and Safety Monitoring Board 
DVP 
Data Validation Plan 
eCRF 
electronic Case Report Form 
EEA 
European Economic Area  
EC 
Ethics Committee 
ECG 
Electrocardiogram 
EU 
European Union 
EudraCT 
European Clinical Trials Database 
FPFV 
First Patient First Visit 
GCP 
Good Clinical Practice 
GMP 
Good Manufacturing Practice 
IB 
Investigator‘s Brochure 
ICF 
Informed Consent Form 
ICH 
International Conference on Harmonization 
IDMC 
Independent Medicinal Product Dossier 
IMP 
Investigational Medicinal Product 
IMPD 
Independent data monitoring committee 
IRB 
Institutional Review Board 
ISF 
Investigator Site File 
LPLV 
Last Patient Last Visit 
LTFU 
Lost To Follow-Up 
MedDRA 
Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities 
PCI 
Principal Coordinating Investigator 


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19 
Date: 
06.04.02020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
13/50 
 
pCRF 
paperbased Case Report Form  
PFS 
Progression-Free Survival 
PI 
Principal Investigator 
SAE 
Serious Adverse Event 
SAP 
Statistical Analysis Plan 
SEC 
Self-Evident Corrections 
SmPC 
Summary of product characteristics 
SOP 
Standard Operating Procedure 
SPC 
Supplementary Protection Certificate 
SUSAR 
Suspected Unexpected Serious Adverse Reaction 
TMF 
Trial Master File 
 
 


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19 
Date: 
06.04.02020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
14/50 
 
Synopsis 
 
Title 
of 
Clinical Trial 
 
Stopping ACE-inhibitors in COVID-19 (ACEI-COVID-19) 
Graphical 
Overview 
 
 
Applicant 
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Axel Bauer 
Clinical Trial 
Type 
multicenter, randomized, unmasked, controlled clinical trial  
Objectives 
To test the hypothesis that stopping chronic ACEI / ARB therapy in SARS-CoV2-
infected patients improves outcome 
Intervention 
A strategy of stopping/replacing chronic ACEI / ARB therapy 
 
Key 
inclusion 
and 
exclusion 
criteria 
Inclusion criteria: 
• 
Female and male patients competent to make a decision  
• 
Proven and symptomatic SARS-CoV2 infection ≤ 5 days 
• 
Patient age ≥ 18 years 
• 
Provided written informed consent 
• 
Chronic (≥ 1 month) ACEI/ARB therapy for treatment of arterial 
hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart failure or coronary 
artery disease 


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19 
Date: 
06.04.02020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
15/50 
 
• 
Stable hemodynamic conditions allowing to stop or continue 
treatment 
with 
ACEI/ARB 
(systolic 
blood 
pressure 
≤180mmHg) 
 
Exclusion criteria: 
• 
Women capable of bearing children as well as pregnant and 
breastfeeding women 
• 
Participant in another interventional trail 
• 
At screening visit, no oral medication intake possible 
• 
Advanced heart failure NYHA Stage III-IV 
• 
Left ventricular ejection fraction <30% or NTproBNP ≥600pg/mL 
in case of clinical signs of heart failure  
• 
Acute coronary syndrome ≤ 3 months 
• 
Severe arterial hypertension (concomitant use of more than 4 
different antihypertensive drug classes) 
• 
Acute respiratory distress syndrome with need for mechanical 
ventilation 
• 
Patients who at not capable of home blood pressure monitoring 
• 
Patients who cannot be switched to an alternative medication 
 
Primary and 
Secondary 
Endpoints 
Co-primary endpoints (will be tested hierarchically) 
- 
Combination of maximum Sequential Organ Failure Assessment 
(SOFA) Score and death within 30 days. The minimal value of the 
SOFA Score will be 0 and the maximal value 24 points. All-cause 
death is classified as the maximum score (24 points). In case of a 
subclinical disease progress without need for hospitalization, the 
SOFA score will be 0. This definition is referred to as “maximum death- 
adjusted SOFA-Score”.  
- 
Composite of admission to an intensive care unit (ICU), the use of 
mechanical ventilation, or all-cause death 
 
Secondary endpoints: 
- 
Maximum and median SOFA Score 
- 
Area under the SOFA curve (AUC) 
- 
Death 


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19 
Date: 
06.04.02020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
16/50 
 
- 
Hospitalization 
- 
Admission to ICU 
- 
Intubation 
- 
Non-invasive ventilation (high-flow, continuous positive airway 
pressure therapy) 
- 
Renal replacement therapy 
- 
Quality of life (EQ-5D-3L) 
- 
Change of viral burden (if clinically obtained) 
- 
C-reactive protein (CRP), D-Dimer, interleukin 6 (IL-6), high-sensitive 
cardiac troponin (hsTnT), N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic 
peptide (NT-pro-BNP), lymphocytes, eosinophil- and thrombocyte 
count, ferritin, transferrin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), procalcitonin, 
neopterin 
- 
Identification of biomarkers (cellular immune state, soluble 
biomarkers, CHiP, single cell level transcription patterns) 
- 
Seroconversion 
 
Safety endpoints: 
- 
Hypertensive crisis (systolic/diastolic blood pressure > 180/120 
mmHg) 
- 
Hospitalisation due to cardiac decompensation and causal 
relationship to stopping of ACEI/ARB therapy.  
 
Sample Size, 
Statistical 
Analyses, 
Power 
Calculation 
Both primary endpoints will be hierarchically tested: To test a significant 
difference in the primary endpoint (maximum death- adjusted SOFA Score), 208 
patients need to be included. If the primary endpoint is met, a total of 798 patients 
will be enrolled to test the co-primary endpoint (clinical event rate).  with α = 0.05, 
power = 0.80 and taking a 20% drop-out rate into account.  
Trial 
duration 
Estimated study start: first Patient first Visit (FPFV): Q2/2020 
Estimated study end: last Patient last Visit (LPLV): Q2/2021 
Study duration for individual patient: ≤ 30 days 


Title:  
ACEI-COVID-19 
 
Date: 
04.06.2020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
17/50 
 
Visit Plan 
 
Visit plan for patients in a hospital (A) and domestic (B) setting  
A) Patients in hospital setting 
 
Screening 
day -3-0 
Baseline visit  
day 0  
Control visiten 
daily (Tag 1 – 29) 
final visit 
day 30 ± 2 Tage 
Informed consent 
X 
 
 
 
Inclusion- 
and 
exclusion criteria 
X 
 
 
 
Demographic data 
 
X 
 
 
Patient history 
 
X 
 
 
Physical examination / 
vital parameters 
 
X 
X 
X 
Laboratory1  
 
X 
X 
X 
Concomitant 
medication  
 
X 
 
 
AEs und SAEs 
 
X 
X 
X 
SOFA & qSOFA Score 
 
X 
X 
X 
1 Beyond clinical routine, the following biosamples are optionally collected: Baseline: 2x10ml EDTA-Plasma (10ml each), 1x10ml Serum (10ml), 1x Heparin-
Plasma (10ml) 
Controls day 7, 10, 14 and 30 (+/- 1 day): 1x10ml EDTA-Plasma (10ml each), 1x10ml Serum (10ml), 1x Heparin-Plasma (10ml) 
 
 
 


Title:  
ACEI-COVID-19 
 
Date: 
04.06.2020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
18/50 
 
B) Patients in domestic setting 
 
Screening 
day -3-0 
Baseline visit  
day 0  
Control visits 
daily (Tag 1 – 29) 
final visit 
day 30 ± 2 Tage 
Informed consent 
X 
 
 
 
Inclusion- 
and 
exclusion criteria 
X 
 
 
 
Demographic data 
X 
X 
 
 
Patient history 
X 
X 
 
 
Physical examination / 
vital parameters 
 
X 
 
 
Laboratory1 
 
X 
 
 
Concomitant 
medication 
 
X 
 
 
AEs und SAEs 
 
X 
X 
X 
Telephone visit 
 
 
X 
X 
1 Beyond clinical routine, the following biosamples are optionally collected: Baseline: 2x10ml EDTA-Plasma (10ml each), 1x10ml Serum (10ml), 1x Heparin-
Plasma (10ml) 
 
Note: For patients who are discharged home within the 30 days or who move from the outpatient area to the inpatient area, the respective visit 
plan can be changed from outpatient to inpatient and vice versa.   


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19  
Date: 
06.04.2020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
19/50 
 
1. 
Introduction 
1.1 
Study Background 
In December 2019 the first pneumonia case of unknown origin in Wuhan, capital city of Hubei province, 
was reported to the World Health Organization (WHO)1. Later on, the pathogen was identified as novel 
enveloped RNA betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2). This 
virus has phylogenetic similarities to SARS-CoV, which caused an epidemic in 2002- 2003.2   
In the meantime, the lung disease caused by SARS-CoV2 has spread from Wuhan throughout 
China and the world.3 The WHO declared coronavirus disease in 2019 (COVID-19) a public health 
emergency of international concern. On 11 March 2020, the COVID-19 outbreak was classified as a 
pandemic. Due to its rapid spread, COVID-19 became one of the greatest challenges for the health, 
social and economic systems of the century. WHO predicts that the number of cases and deaths will 
continue to rise rapidly in the coming weeks and months.  
 
 
 
Figure 1: Global spread of COVID-19 and affected countries (source: who.int, 29 March 2020) 
 
 
As of March 29, 2020, there were 616,742 patients in 203 different countries infected with SARS-CoV2 
and the disease caused nearly 30,000 deaths. COVID-19 is also spreading rapidly in Europe. Italy is 
currently the country most affected by the disease, with 92,472 confirmed cases and 10,023 deaths. 
(Source: European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control). In Austria and Germany, too, infection 
rates are rising rapidly from day to day. On 29 March, there were 52,547 COVID-19 positive patients in 


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19  
Date: 
06.04.2020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
20/50 
 
Germany, which is 3,965 more cases than the day before. In Austria there are even 8,291 cases and 
68 patients died. 
Currently, the estimated case fatality rates of COVID-19 are 0.3%- 1.0% as announce by the 
WHO. However, there are several factors, which can affect case fatality rates. In China, patients in their 
seventh decade of life with proven SARS-CoV-2 had a mortality rate of 8%, whereas in patients over 80 
years the case fatality was 14.8%.1 For accurate estimation of case fatality rates, also the COVID-19 
outbreak on the Diamond Princess cruise ship provides robust data, given the defined population and 
territory. Case fatality rate was 0.99% with a clear trend for age. But not only age, also other 
comorbidities such as coronary artery disease, arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus can markedly 
increase mortality rates.4  
Recent studies showed that SARS-CoV2 enters human cells via the angiotensin converting 
enzyme II receptor 2 (ACE2) following activation of the spike protein by transmembrane protease serine 
2 (TMPRSS2) (Figure 2).5,6  
 
 
Figure 2: Entry of SARS-CoV-2 into cell via angiotensin converting enzyme II receptor 2 (ACE2) and 
activation of the spike protein by transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) (adapted from [4]) 
 
As ACE2 is expressed in pulmonary Type II alveolar cells, it appears to be the predominant 
entry mechanism.7 In addition to lung, ACE2 is highly expressed in the myocardial tissue as well, and 
acts as counterpart to angiotensin II in states with over-activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) 
such as arterial hypertension, congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease. ACE2 is also 
expressed in other tissues like the intestinal and vascular epithelium as well as the kidneys, explaining 
a potential mechanism for multi-organ dysfunction in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Experimental 
studies showed that pharmacological antagonist of the RAS such as angiotensin converting enzyme 
inhibitors (ACEI) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) could increase the expression of ACE2 up to 
five times.8 Accordingly, in patients treated with ACEI or ARB, virus uptake could be facilitated, thereby 
accelerating its spread in the body. 


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19  
Date: 
06.04.2020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
21/50 
 
There are currently no clinical studies that have investigated the effects of RAAS blockade by 
ACEI or ARB. In the COVID-19 cohort studies published to date, however, a high prevalence of co-
morbidities such as arterial hypertension, heart failure and diabetic nephropathy, which are commonly 
treated with RAAS blockade, was found in patients with severe disease (Table 1). Accordingly, there is 
great uncertainty among patients and physicians regarding RAAS blockade in the context with SARS-
CoV2 infection. Due to the lack of data, national and international professional societies currently 
recommend continuing ACEI or ARB therapy until clinical data are available.9 Nevertheless, there is an 
urgent clinical need for evaluating the potential effects of chronic ACEI/ARB therapy in COVID-19. 
 
 
 
 
Table 1: Prevalences of comorbidities in severe cases of COVID-19 
 
Prevalences 
of 
comorbidities in severe 
COVID-19 cases  
Number of severe COVID-
19 cases / total population 
Guan et al., NEJM 202010 
Arterial hypertension 23.7% 
Diabetes mellitus 16.2% 
Coronary 
artery 
disease 
5.8% 
173 / 1099 patients 
Zhou et al., Lancet 202011 
Arterial hypertension 48%  
Diabetes mellitus 31%  
57 diseased patients / 191 
patients 
Yang et al., Lancet Respir 
202012 
Diabetes mellitus 22% 
32 / 52 ICU-patients 
Zhang et al., Allergy 202013 
Arterial hypertension 30% 
Diabetes mellitus 12% 
140 patients 
Bhatraju et al., NEJM 202014 Diabetes mellitus 58% 
24 ICU-patients in Seattle 
 
 
 
1.2 
Need of the Study 
The COVID-19 pandemic is currently posing challenges of unprecedented proportions for the health 
systems of all countries.  The disease is based on an infection with the new coronavirus SARS-CoV2. 
According to the WHO, the case lethality rate is currently 0.3-1.0%, with older patients with comorbidities 
such as high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases showing significantly higher 
mortality. Current studies show that the SARS-CoV2 virus enters human cells via the angiotensin 
converting enzyme II (ACE2) receptor 2 2-5 Experimental studies show that ACE inhibitors (ACEI) and 


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19  
Date: 
06.04.2020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
22/50 
 
angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) can increase the expression of ACE2 up to fivefold15. Accordingly, 
in patients treated with ACEI or ARB, virus uptake could be facilitated, thereby accelerating its spread 
in the body16. 
 
There are currently no clinical studies that have investigated the effects of RAAS blockade by ACEI or 
ARB. In COVID-19 cohort studies published to date, however, a high prevalence of co-morbidities such 
as arterial hypertension, heart failure and diabetic nephropathy treated with RAAS blockade was found 
in patients with severe disease (see table). Accordingly, there is great uncertainty among the population 
and the medical profession regarding RAAS blockade in connection with SARS-CoV2 infection (see 
also 1.3).  Due to the lack of data, national and international professional societies currently recommend 
continuing ACEI or ARB therapy until clinical data are available17. 
 
In this study, we are therefore testing the hypothesis that discontinuation of chronic ACEI or ARB therapy 
in patients with proven SARS-CoV2 infection can have a beneficial effect on the course of COVID-19. 
Patients with proven SARS-CoV2 infection are randomized 1:1 to discontinuation of ACEI or ARB or to 
continuation of the existing ACEI or ARB. The primary endpoint is the maximum death- adjusted SOFA 
score that includes death (corresponding to a SOFA score of 24). In addition, the combination of 
admission to ICU, intubation and death is hierarchically tested as another primary endpoint. 
 
1.3 
Risk-Benefit Analysis 
ACE2 has been identified as the central receptor for the uptake and spread of the new Sars-CoV-2 
coronavirus in humans. Experimental and clinical data show that therapy with ACE inhibitors and 
angiotensin receptor blockers leads to an increased expression of ACE2 15. Cardiovascular diseases 
typically treated with ACEI or ARB are associated with a worse prognosis of COVID-1918. Based on 
these observations a controversial discussion has arisen: For example, it is speculated that treatment 
with the RAAS inhibitors ACEI or ARB has an unfavorable effect on the virulence of sars-cov-2 and thus 
on the course of COVID-1919. In fact, a study from China reports a mortality rate of 36.8% in patients 
treated with ACEI/ARBs compared to 25.6% in patients without RAAS inhibition. These observations, 
together with theoretical mechanistic considerations, led to the hypothesis that COVID-19 patients 
benefit from discontinuation of existing RAAS inhibitor therapy. However, this hypothesis is not 
uncontroversial. For example, a British group saw no difference in the rate of severe COVID-19 
progression 
in 
patients 
undergoing 
ACEI 
therapy 
(https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340261837). Based on animal data, it has also been 
speculated that RAAS inhibition may have protective effects in COVID-19 patients, but this theory has 
not been supported by clinical data. In addition, discontinuation of RAAS inhibitors may lead to an 
increase in blood pressure or worsening of pre-existing heart failure. However, the latter two risks can 
be minimized by adjusting the therapy by (a) increasing the dose of other antihypertensive drugs already 
taken by the patients that do not belong to the ATC groups C09A, C09B, C09C, C09D and/or (b) by 
extending the existing therapy with drugs that do not belong to the mentioned ATC groups.  


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19  
Date: 
06.04.2020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
23/50 
 
In any case, the controversial role of ACEI and ARBs in COVID-19 patients has led to great uncertainty 
even among experts: while some recognised groups strongly advocate discontinuing RAAS in COVID-
19 patients 720, others recommend continuing a pre-existing RAAS inhibition also in COVID-19 24. In a 
review recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the authors conclude that there is 
insufficient data to make a clear recommendation in one direction or another9. Against the background 
of the widespread use of ACEI and ARBs worldwide and the increased mortality of COVID-19 patients 
with cardiovascular diseases, a scientific clarification of this question is urgently needed. Due to the 
enormous extent and dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is of paramount importance to answer the 
question as quickly as possible.  
The risk of discontinuation or conversion of an ACEI or ARB depends on the underlying indication:  
In patients with arterial hypertension, a change of therapy in a controlled study with close clinical follow-
up is negligible, especially since patients with unstable circulatory conditions (RR >180mmHg) and 
patients with severe arterial hypertension (>4 antihypertensive drugs) are excluded. For the treatment 
of arterial hypertension we have numerous alternative preparations available today. In the large 
randomized SPRINT study on blood pressure control, it was accordingly shown that the actually 
achieved target values are decisive for the prognosis of blood pressure and not the substance class 
used. 
In patients with heart failure and myocardial infarction, RAAS inhibitors also have prognostic significance 
as a substance class. For this reason, patients with severe heart failure (NYHA III, IV) or recent 
myocardial infarction (≤ 3 months) are excluded. In addition, the interruption of RAAS blockade is only 
temporary. Large randomized studies have clearly demonstrated a homogeneous long-term effect. A 
short-term interruption therefore seems justifiable. Short-term interruptions of the RAAS blockade, e.g. 
during in-patient stays, are already regularly carried out today without an increase in cardiac 
decompensation being observed under close clinical control. 
In summary, the temporary discontinuation of an ACEI / ARB or the changeover to an alternative 
substance group represents a comparatively low risk. The potential benefit of discontinuation of the 
RAAS blockade in terms of morbidity and mortality of SARS-CoV2 infection, which can be expected on 
the basis of mechanistic considerations and the epidemiological observations described above, 
therefore clearly outweighs the risk of a temporary withdrawal. If the result of the study is positive, this 
would have an immediate and significant impact on the treatment of patients who have the highest 
mortality risk after SARS-CoV2 infection.  
The theoretical benefit of discontinuing RAAS inhibition in COVID-19 is realized if the pause within a 
few days leads to a normalization of ACE2 expression. Studies in rats have shown that the RAAS-
induced upregulation of ACE2 expression returns to the level of untreated animals when RAAS inhibitors 
are discontinued. Although the kinetics of this process have not yet been studied in detail, various 
findings suggest that ACE2 adaptation occurs very rapidly after discontinuation of ACEI or ARBs. RAAS 
inhibitors lead to a reduced activation of the AT1 receptor and thus to a de-inhibition with consecutive 
upregulation of ACE2 expression. After discontinuation of ACEI and ARBs, the activation of the AT1 
receptor increases very rapidly. Accordingly, the antihypertensive effect of RAAS inhibitors stops within 


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19  
Date: 
06.04.2020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
24/50 
 
a few hours when they are paused. It can therefore be assumed that the angiotensin-II-induced 
suppression of ACE2 synthesis is restored a few hours after stopping RAAS inhibitors. The half-life of 
ACE2 in the cell membrane has not been investigated. However, a high turnover has been described 
for most of the receptors and enzymes involved in blood pressure regulation. In the case of COVID-19, 
the turnover of ACE-2 is additionally increased, since ACE-2 is internalized together with the SARS-
CoV-2 virus during virus uptake. Overall, it can therefore be assumed that the adaptation of ACE2 
expression occurring after discontinuation of RAAS inhibitors is reflected in COVID-19. 
 
 
2. 
Study Objectives 
Patients with coronary heart disease, arterial hypertension, chronic kidney disease or diabetes are often 
treated with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB). 
Treatment with ACEI and ARB may be of great relevance to the course of COVID-19: Similar to SARS-
CoV (epidemic 2002-2003), the novel SARS-CoV 2 is absorbed into human cells via angiotensin 
converting enzymes 2 (ACE2). Treatment with ACEI and ARB leads to a significant upregulation of the 
SARS-CoV 2 receptor ACE2. Increased expression of ACE2, in turn, correlates with increased uptake 
of SARS-CoV 2 and possibly promotes a more rapid spread of the virus in the organism of infected 
patients. In the context of the current pandemic, discontinuation of ACEI or ARB therapy (or switch to 
alternative antihypertensives) may therefore be appropriate in patients treated with ACEI or ARB. 
 
The aim of this study is to test the hypothesis that discontinuation of chronic ACEI or ARB therapy in 
patients with proven SARS-CoV2 infection may have a beneficial effect on the course of COVID-19. 
 
2.1 
Primary Study Objective 
The primary objective of the study is to test whether discontinuation of chronic ACEI or ARB therapy in 
patients with proven SARS-CoV2 infection leads to a more favourable course of COVID-19 than passing 
on the therapy. 
 
2.2 
Secondary Study Objectives 
Secondary, the effect of discontinuation on clinical, virological and laboratory parameters of SARS-CoV2 
therapy is investigated. 
 
3. 
Study Design 
3.1 
Study Description 
It is a multicenter, randomized, open clinical trial. 
 


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19  
Date: 
06.04.2020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
25/50 
 
3.2 
Endpoints 
3.2.1 Primary Endpoint 
 
Co-primary endpoints (will be tested hierarchically) 
- 
Combination of maximum Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) Score and 
death within 30 days. The minimal value of the SOFA Score will be 0 and the 
maximal value 24 points (see Figure 3). In case of death, the maximum score (24 
points) will be applied. In case of a subclinical disease progress without need for 
hospitalization, the SOFA score is defined as zero. This definition is referred to as 
“maximum death- adjusted SOFA-Score”.  
- 
Composite of admission to an intensive care unit (ICU), the use of mechanical 
ventilation, or all-cause death 
 
3.2.2 Secondary Endpoints 
Secondary endpoints: 
- 
Maximum and median SOFA Score 
- 
Area under the SOFA curve (AUC) 
- 
Death 
- 
Hospitalization 
- 
Admission to ICU 
- 
Intubation 
- 
Non-invasive ventilation (high-flow, continuous positive airway pressure therapy) 
- 
Renal replacement therapy 
- 
Quality of life (EQ-5D-3L) 
- 
Change of viral burden (if clinically obtained) 
- 
C-reactive protein (CRP), D-Dimer, interleukin 6 (IL-6), high-sensitive cardiac 
troponin (hsTnT), N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP), 
lymphocytes, eosinophil- and thrombocyte count, ferritin, transferrin, lactate 
dehydrogenase (LDH), procalcitonin, neopterin 
- 
Identification of biomarkers (cellular immune state, soluble biomarkers, CHiP, 
single cell level transcription patterns) 
- 
Seroconversion 
 
3.2.3 Safety Endpoints 
- 
Severe hypertension (systolic/diastolic blood pressure > 180/120 mmHg) 
- 
Hospitalisation due to cardiac decompensation  


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19  
Date: 
06.04.2020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
26/50 
 
 
 
Table The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) Score  
 
3.3 
Timetable 
Planned start first Patient first Visit (FPFV): Q2/2020 
Planned end of clinical trial last Patient last Visit (LPLV): Q2/2021 
Duration of participation for one patient: ≤ 30 days 
 
Due to the unknown dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is currently not possible to define a precise 
timetable. 
 
4. 
Study Population 
Patients with proven SARS-CoV2 infection who are already taking an ATC C09A, C09B, C09C, C09D 
preparation to treat an underlying disease will be randomized into one of the two groups after agreement 
to participate in the clinical trial. 
4.1 
Number of Patients 
Number of patients included:  
Minimum: n=208 (testing of primary endpoint 1) 
Maximum: n=798 (testing of primary endpoint 2) 
 
4.2 
Inclusion Criteria 
• 
Female and male patients competent to make a decision  
• 
Proven and symptomatic SARS-CoV2 infection ≤ 5 days 
• 
Patient age ≥ 18 years 
• 
Provided written informed consent 


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19  
Date: 
06.04.2020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
27/50 
 
• 
Chronic (≥ 1 month) ACEI/ARB therapy for treatment of arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, 
heart failure or coronary artery disease 
• 
Stable hemodynamic conditions allowing to stop or continue treatment with ACEI/ARB (systolic 
blood pressure ≤180mmHg) 
 
4.3 
Exclusion Criteria 
• 
Women capable of bearing children as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women 
• 
Participant in another interventional trail 
• 
At screening visit, no oral medication intake possible 
• 
Advanced heart failure NYHA Stage III-IV 
• 
Left ventricular ejection fraction <30% or NTproBNP ≥600pg/mL in case of clinical signs of heart 
failure  
• 
Acute coronary syndrome ≤ 3 months 
• 
Severe arterial hypertension (concomitant use of more than 4 different antihypertensive drug 
classes) 
• 
Acute respiratory distress syndrome with need for mechanical ventilation 
• 
Patients who at not capable of home blood pressure monitoring 
• 
Patients who cannot be switched to an alternative medication 
 
4.4 
Withdrawal of study subjects after study start 
Reasons for removal investigational treatment or observation include: 
• 
Withdrawal of consent 
• 
Administrative decision by the investigator 
• 
Pregnancy 
• 
Significant protocol deviation 
• 
Subject noncompliance 
• 
Adverse event 
• 
Other safety concern of the investigator or sponsor 
• 
Death 
• 
Lost to follow-up 
 
Subjects have the right to withdraw fully or partially from the study at any time and for any reason without 
prejudice to their future medical care by the physician or at the institution. 
Withdrawal of full consent for a study means that the subject does not wish to receive further 
investigational treatment and does not wish or is unable to continue further study participation. Subject 
data up to withdrawal of consent will be included in the subject’s study data, but no further information 
will be collected unless a separate consent has been given. 


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19  
Date: 
06.04.2020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
28/50 
 
Withdrawal of partial consent means that the subject does not wish to take protocol-specific product(s) 
any longer but is still willing to collaborate in providing further data by continuing on study. 
Should a subject request or decide to withdraw from the study, all efforts will be made to complete and 
report the observations as thoroughly as possible up to the end of withdrawal. 
For any patient who has received IMP and withdrew prematurely from the study every effort should be 
made for attendance of a safety follow-up visit. The primary reason for withdrawal from the study should 
be documented. Patients will not be followed for any reason after consent has been withdrawn, unless 
a separate consent has been given for further data collection. 
The investigator has the right to discontinue a patient from IMP or withdraw a patient from the study at 
any time.  
 
The following study-specific clinical termination criteria are defined: 
- Recurrent measurements of arterial systolic blood pressure >180mmHg, which cannot be lowered by 
adjusting medication 
- Hypertensive emergency (hypertensive crisis (systolic blood pressure >180mmHg) with signs of organ 
damage) 
- Decompensated heart failure (cardiac weight gain >3kg, doubling of NTproBNP in non-intensive 
patients*) 
* ACEI / ARB are usually discontinued in patients requiring intensive care. An increase in NTproBNP 
usually reflects the critical condition of the patient in the context of COVID19-related organ failure 
 
5. 
Study Procedures 
5.1 
General Study Procedures and Assessments Schedule 
 
It is the responsibility of the investigator, or a person delegated by the investigator to obtain written 
informed consent from each subject prior to participation in the trial, following adequate explanation of 
the aims, methods, anticipated benefits and potential hazards of the study.  
The investigator or designee will explain the patients that they are under no obligation to enter the trial 
and that they can withdraw at any time during the trial, without having to give a reason. 
No clinical trial procedures will be conducted prior to taking consent from the participant. Consent will 
not denote enrolment into trial.  
A copy of the signed informed consent form will be given to the participant. The original signed and 
dated form will be retained at the study site and a copy placed in the medical notes. 
If new safety information results in significant changes in the risk/benefit assessment, the consent form 
will be reviewed and updated if necessary and subjects will be re-consented as appropriate. 
 


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19  
Date: 
06.04.2020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
29/50 
 
5.2 
Screening Visit (Day –3 to 0) 
The screening tests can be performed for a maximum of three days before the patients are included in 
the clinical trial. Only patients who meet all the inclusion criteria and none of the exclusion criteria will 
be included. 
 
The following information must be entered: 
- Age 
- Gender 
- Existing therapy with a drug of the ATC groups C09A, C09B, C09C, C09D 
- Proven SARS-CoV2 infection (when was a swab taken, when was the infection confirmed) 
 
Some patients with suspected COVID-19 are released to their home environment after testing, even 
before the test result is received. For these patients, conditional consent can be obtained during the 
initial interview in case of a positive test result for participation in the study. In this case (proven SARS-
CoV2 infection) the patients are contacted by the study physician by phone as soon as the test result is 
available and informed about the study inclusion. The study physician then discusses the further 
procedure with the patient regarding the study. 
 
5.3 
Visit 1 (Baseline - Day 0) 
All patients who meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria are randomized 1:1 into two groups: 
 
Group 1 (intervention): discontinuation of ACEI or ARB.  
If necessary, a switch to another drug without direct effect on the RAAS system may be necessary. The 
decision is up to the treating physician, it must be made individually and must include the following 
aspects:  
- Indication for chronic RAAS blockade: In case of arterial hypertension, a switch to a Ca-antagonist 
(e.g. amlodipine) should be considered. Patients with heart failure and normotension usually do not 
receive replacement therapy. 
- Companion medication: The extent to which discontinuation of the investigational product can be 
compensated by increasing the dose of a previously prescribed product should be investigated.  
 
Group 2 (control): no intervention, i.e., further treatment with ACEI or ARB. If discontinuation of ACEI 
/ ARB is necessary for medical reasons (e.g., hypotension in early sepsis), this is done independently 
of the study. 


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19  
Date: 
06.04.2020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
30/50 
 
 
Figure Flow chart of the proposed project 
 
The following parameters are to be recorded baseline: 
 
- Information about other drug prescriptions 
 
- Pre-existing conditions  
o Diabetes mellitus 
o Coronary heart disease 
o Heart failure, if known left ventricular pump function 
o Renal insufficiency 
o Stroke 
o Malignant disease 
o Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 
 
- Cardiovascular risk factors 
o Arterial hypertension 
o Hypercholesterolemia 
o Nicotine abuse 
o Family disposition 
 
- Physiological parameters 
o Respiratory rate (/min) 


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19  
Date: 
06.04.2020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
31/50 
 
o Heart rate (beats/min) 
o Arterial blood pressure (systolic, diastolic, (mmHg)) 
o Oxygen saturation (SpO2) (%) 
o Oxygen demand (l/min) 
o Body temperature (°C) 
 
 
- Symptoms 
o Coughing 
o Sputum 
o Fever 
o Dyspnoea 
o Myalgia 
o Fatigue 
o Diarrhoea 
o Nausea / vomiting 
 
- Laboratory parameters (determined as part of the routine) 
o Infectiological parameters 
o Liver function parameters and coagulation diagnostics  
o Renal function parameters  
o Cardiac enzymes 
o Blood count and differential blood count 
o Thyroid  parameters 
o Immunoglobulins 
o Iron status and metabolism 
- Baseline SOFA Score and Quick SOFA (qSOFA) Score (resulting from the above parameters, see 
tables 1 and 2) 
- In addition to routine laboratory control, optional collection of EDTA (2x10ml), serum (1x10ml) and 
heparin blood (1x10ml) for biomarker analysis 
- Virus load COVID-19 (determined by respiratory or serum PCR) as part of routine 
- Imaging (X-ray, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, echocardiography) if routinely 
determined 
 
5.4 
Control Visits (Day 1 - 29) 
1. Patients in hospital setting 
Daily survey of  
- SOFA (includes blood pressure) 
- qSOFA 


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19  
Date: 
06.04.2020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
32/50 
 
- In addition to routine laboratory control, optional collection of EDTA (1x10ml), serum (1x10ml) and 
heparin blood (1x10ml) for biomarker analysis 
- Survey of accompanying medication and, if necessary, intensive care measures  
- Virus load COVID 19 (determined by respiratory PCR) as part of routine 
- Imaging (X-ray, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, echocardiography) if routinely 
determined 
 
2. Patients in ambulatory/home setting 
Daily survey of  
- Fever status, respiratory distress,  
- clinical events: hospitalization or mortality 
- Quality of life (EQ-5D-3L questionnaire) 
- arterial blood pressure (if not available, patients are provided with a blood pressure monitor). Patients 
are instructed to carry out a self-measurement of their blood pressure 3 times a day. 
- Body weight 
- Symptoms that could indicate a hypertensive derailment (headache, nausea, double vision) 
 
Patients who are suspected or diagnosed with a hypertensive derailment are visited by telephone or in 
person to adjust their treatment, through home visit or hospital presentation. If necessary, patients are 
provided with a blood pressure monitor at home for daily blood pressure monitoring. 
 
A combination of outpatient and inpatient care is also possible. We assume that about 50% of patients 
are treated as outpatients and 50% as inpatients. 
 
5.5 
End of Treatment (Day 30) 
The observation period ends on day 30 after randomisation. The final visit is carried out according to 
the same scheme.  
During the final visit, the study physician discusses the further procedure with regard to ACE 
inhibitor/ARB therapy in person or during a telephone visit (for outpatients). Patients who have been 
discontinued for study reasons will be re-started with the investigational product after individual review 
of any contraindications. 
 
 
 
5.6 
Discontinuation of the Study/Premature Termination of the Trial 
 
The trial subject can withdraw from the trial at any time, without giving reasons, and without incurring 
any disadvantages for further medical care. 
 


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19  
Date: 
06.04.2020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
33/50 
 
It is up to the investigator (or, if applicable, the sponsor of this trial) to decide whether the subject's 
participation in the trial should be terminated prematurely. The reasons for this may be: 
- The subject does not meet the requirements of the trial; 
- the investigator feels that continued participation in the trial is not in the interests of the subject. 
- Arterial blood pressure deterioration that cannot be controlled by adjusting drug therapy and therefore 
requires RAAS blockade. 
 
5.7 
Unscheduled Visits 
Unscheduled visits will be documented. 
 
 
5.8 
Further treatment after end of treatment 
After participation in the study is terminated, the treating physician decides on the further therapy. In the 
intervention group, the aim is to restart the previous treatment with a drug of the ATC groups C09A, 
C09B, C09C, C09D.   
 
5.9 
Closure of trial centres/premature termination of the clinical trial 
The sponsor is entitled at any time to prematurely close a trial site that is participating in the clinical trial. 
The reasons may include the following: 
- patient recruitment is unsatisfactory 
- administrative reasons 
 
The sponsor must inform the investigator if it has been decided to terminate the participation of a trial 
site. 
 
The sponsor is entitled to terminate the trial prematurely at any time. This may be due to medical or 
ethical concerns, or if the trial cannot be conducted properly. The reasons for termination will be 
documented in detail. 
 
All patients under treatment at the time of termination must undergo a final examination. The 
coordinating investigator must be informed without delay of any ethical concerns of the sponsor 
regarding the continuation of the trial. 
 
Early termination of a trial is considered under the following conditions: 
- the benefit-risk analysis has changed significantly for the worse for the patient 
- further treatment in the control group or intervention group is ethically unacceptable 
- interim results or analyses of other clinical trials show that the treatments in the clinical trial are superior 
or inferior to another 


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19  
Date: 
06.04.2020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
34/50 
 
- the clinical trial can no longer be conducted in a meaningful way 
 
If no significant difference between the two treatment groups is observed after evaluation of the data 
from the first 208 study participants, the clinical trial will be terminated prematurely. If the evaluation 
after 208 patients shows a trend for the superiority of one group with respect to the primary endpoint 1 
(p<0.1), the group size may be increased in accordance with the Steering Committee and statistical 
advice.  
 
The sponsor makes the decision regarding termination/continuation of the trial in consultation with the 
steering committee and statisticians. 
 
If a trial is terminated prematurely, the ethics committee(s) and regulatory authority(ies) must be 
informed of the termination within 15 days. 
 
 
 
 
5.10 Closure of the Study 
The clinical trial ends when the last patient has completed the planned last visit according to protocol.  
The completion of the study will be reported to the ethics committee as well as to the relevant authorities.  
 
6. 
Study Medication (IMP) 
6.1 
Name and Description of Investigational Medicinal Product (IMP) 
Drugs of  ATC group C09A, C09B, C09C, C09D, which act on the renin- angiotensin-aldosterone 
system, are being investigated. The drugs are listed in Table 2 of the Annex. 
 
6.2 
Name and Description of Placebo/Comparable Product 
No comparative drugs or placebo are used. 
 
6.3 
Dosage and Administration 
The dosage and treatment in the control group is carried out according to the recommendations given 
in the approval conditions of the respective drug. 
6.4 
Dose Modifications 
Any change in the dose in the control group is at the discretion of the supervising physician according 
to the recommendations given in the approval conditions of the respective drug. 
 


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19  
Date: 
06.04.2020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
35/50 
 
6.5 
Concomitant Medication 
The administration of concomitant medication is carried out according to the recommendations given in 
the approval conditions of the respective preparation. In the intervention group, in addition to the 
discontinuation of the drugs of ATC C09A, C09B, C09C, C09D without replacement, it is also possible 
to switch to an alternative substance group that does not affect the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone 
system. Whether and to which alternative substance without direct effect on the renin-angiotensin-
aldosterone system is converted is at the discretion of the attending physician. Each conversion is 
carried out according to the recommendations given in the approval conditions of the respective 
alternative preparation. 
 
6.6 
Labelling 
Since only approved drugs - even before inclusion in the clinical trial - are administered to patients in 
the control group according to the recommendations given in the approval conditions of the respective 
preparation, 
no 
corresponding 
labelling 
is 
necessary. 
 
 
6.7 
Handling of IMP at the Site and Drug Accountability 
Since only approved drugs are administered to the patients in the control group according to the 
recommendations given in the approval conditions of the respective drug, it is not necessary to 
manufacture specialty drugs especially for this clinical trial. The dosage of the administered drug in the 
control group is recorded without interruption for each patient. 
 
 
 
7. 
Adverse Events 
7.1 
Summary of known and possible Adverse Events of the IMP 
Patients are already pretreated with the investigational medicinal products. Side effects of the different 
investigational medicinal products can be found in the respective expert information. In the study, 
discontinuation of the investigational products is investigated so that no investigational product-specific 
side effects can occur. 
Withdrawal of the investigational product may increase blood pressure and possibly aggravate pre-
existing heart failure. It is the responsibility of the investigator or treating physician to begin an alternative 
therapy. 
 


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19  
Date: 
06.04.2020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
36/50 
 
7.2 
Adverse Events 
An Adverse Event (AE) is any adverse medical event occurring in a subject, user, or other person, any 
unintended illness or injury, or any adverse clinical diagnosis (including abnormal laboratory findings), 
whether or not associated with the Investigational Product. Because the trial is investigating only 
discontinuation of the investigational product, no investigational product-specific adverse events can 
occur. Therefore, only adverse events of special interest (AESI) or SAEs with a causal relationship to 
discontinuation of the investigational product are reported. 
 
7.3 
Serious Adverse Events 
If a serious adverse event (SAE) occurs, the investigator must alert the sponsor without unjustified delay 
to any AE (whether causally or not) from this study that results in one of the following outcomes, or is 
significant for any other reason:  
• 
death (excluding death from progressive disease)  
• 
a life-threatening experience – refers to an event in which the subject was at risk of death at the 
time of the event; it does not refer to an event which hypothetically might have caused death if 
it were more severe 
• 
initial hospitalization, or prolongation of existing inpatients’ hospitalization 
• 
persistent or significant disability or incapacity 
• 
congenital anomaly or birth defect 
Medical judgment should be exercised in deciding whether an AE/adverse drug reaction (ADR) is 
serious in other situations. Important AE/ADRs that are not immediately life-threatening or do not result 
in death or hospitalization but may jeoparadize the subject or may require intervention to prevent one of 
the other outcomes listed in the definition above, should also be considered serious.  
Patients should be closely observed for adverse events while receiving treatment with the IMP. Further 
on for 12 weeks after discontinuation from study therapy in order to detect delayed toxicity. After this 
period, the clinical trial medical safety desk will only be alerted to serious adverse events if the 
investigator believes that the event may have been caused by the investigational device or by a protocol 
procedure.  
Events not considered to be serious adverse events are hospitalizations for the:  
• 
routine treatment or monitoring of the studied indication, not associated with any deterioration 
in condition  
• 
treatment, which was elective or pre-planned, for a pre-existing condition that did not worsen  
• 
treatment on emergency, outpatient basis for an event not fulfilling any of the definitions of 
serious given above and not resulting in hospital admission.  
Disease progression will not be reported as AE or SAE unless the progression is unexpected in severity 
or early occurrence. Progressive disease will be appropriately documented on the case report form as 
part of the efficacy parameters. 
 


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19  
Date: 
06.04.2020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
37/50 
 
7.4 
Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) & Unexpected Adverse Drug 
Reaction 
In the study, discontinuation of the investigational medicinal products is investigated. Preparations of 
the investigated substance classes are used to treat arterial hypertension and heart failure. Accordingly, 
discontinuation could lead to arterial hypertension and cardiac decompensation. These events are 
investigated as safety endpoints.   
A resumption of therapy with the respective IMP is carried out according to the investigator's instructions 
and in accordance with the relevant specialist information published on the BASG homepage 
(https://aspregister.basg.gv.at/aspregister/faces/aspregister.jspx?_afrLoop=251816249017884&_afrWi
ndowMode=0&_adf.ctrl-state=3pmhz6ukm_4).   
. 
 
 
7.5 
Grading of Severity of Adverse Events 
Intensity of all adverse events will be graded according to the NCI common terminology criteria for 
adverse events (CTCAE), version 5 on a five-point scale (grade 1 to 5) and reported in detail in the CRF. 
Adverse events not listed in the CTCAE version 5 should be graded as follows: 
 
CTC grade 
Equivalent to  
Definition 
Grade 1 
mild 
Discomfort noticed but no disruption of normal daily activity  
Grade 2 
moderate 
Discomfort sufficient to reduce or affect daily activity; no treatment 
or medical intervention is indicated although this could improve the 
overall wellbeing or symptoms of the patient.  
Grade 3 
severe 
Inability to work or perform normal daily activity; treatment or medical 
intervention is indicated in order to improve the overall wellbeing or 
symptoms; delaying the onset of treatment is not putting the survival 
of the patient at direct risk.  
Grade 4 
life-threatening 
/disabling 
An immediate threat to life or leading to a permanent mental or 
physical condition that prevents work or performing normal daily 
activities; treatment or medical intervention is required in order to 
maintain survival.  
Grade 5 
death 
AE resulting in death  
 
 
7.6 
Causality 
For all, the investigator will assess the causal relationship between the IMP and the AE using his/her 
clinical expertise and judgment according to the following algorithm that best fits the circumstances of 
the AE: 


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19  
Date: 
06.04.2020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
38/50 
 
Unrelated 
• 
May or may not follow a reasonable temporal sequence from administration of the IMP 
• 
Is biologically implausible and does not follow known response pattern to the suspect IMP (if 
response pattern is previously known) 
• 
can be explained by the known characteristics of the subject’s clinical state or other modes of 
medication administered to the subject. 
Unlikely 
• 
There is a reasonable temporal relation between the AE and the IMP, but there is a plausible 
other explanation for the occurrence of the AE possibly. 
• 
Follows a reasonable temporal sequence from administration of the IMP. The AE may equally 
be explained by the study subject’s clinically state, environmental or toxic factors, or 
concomitant therapy administered to the study subject. 
• 
The relationship between the medical device and AE may also be clinically plausible.   
Probably  
• 
Follows a reasonable temporal sequence from administration of the IMP, and plausible reasons 
point to a causal relation with the IMP. 
Related 
• 
Follows a reasonable temporal sequence form administration of the medical device. 
• 
Follows a known response pattern to the medical device (if response pattern is previously 
known). 
• 
No other reasonable cause is present. 
Not assessable 
• 
The causal relationship between the IMP and the AE can not be judged. 
 
7.7 
Reporting Procedures 
7.7.1 Reporting Procedures for Adverse Events (AEs) 
A special section is designated to adverse events in the CRF where the following details must be 
entered: 
• 
type of adverse event (diagnosis or syndrome; if not known signs or symptoms)  
• 
start (date)  
• 
end (date)  
• 
severity (mild, moderate, severe, life-threatening/disabling, death)  
• 
serious (no / yes)  
• 
unexpected (no / yes)  
• 
outcome (resolved, ongoing, ongoing – improved, ongoing – worsening)  
• 
action taken (none, study medication dose reduced, study medication interrupted, study 
medication discontinued, medication therapy, surgical procedure, hospitalization, other)  


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19  
Date: 
06.04.2020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
39/50 
 
• 
relation to study drug (possibly, probably or definitely related or unlikely, probably not related or 
definitely not related)  
The investigator has to report immediately new significant follow-up information resulting from follow up 
examination to the sponsor (i.e. no more than 24 hours after becoming aware of the information).  
 
After discontinuation of the study drug (in the intervention group), all AEs and SAEs, regardless of their 
relation to the discontinuation of the investigational product, will be recorded, i.e. until the initial state is 
restored, the patient is Lost to Follow-Up or the patient has withdrawn his or her consent. 
Even after the end of the trial, the investigator should report to the sponsor any deaths, SAEs, or other 
AEs that the investigator deems significant and that are also believed to result from discontinuation of 
the investigational product. 
 
7.7.2 Reporting Procedures for SAEs and SUSARs 
Serious events require immediate notification so that the sponsor can react appropriately to new risks 
and make appropriate adjustments to the clinical trial. The investigator must report such events 
immediately to the sponsor; no more than 24 hours should elapse between the time the investigator 
becomes aware of the event and its report to the sponsor. The investigator must report the following 
events to the sponsor within 24 hours, regardless of the investigational product context: 
- Serious Adverse Events (SAEs) 
 
The investigator must report any new, significant information, e.g. from the follow-up investigation, 
directly to the sponsor (e.g. within 24 hours of becoming aware of it). New, significant information 
includes the following:  
- new symptoms or a change in diagnosis 
- significant new diagnostic test results 
- Change of views on the cause due to new information 
- Changes in the outcome of the event, including recovery 
- additional information on the clinical course of the event 
 
All AEs and SAEs must be reported until the end of active study participation, regardless of the 
relationship to drug administration. Even if the investigator judges the event to be stable or the patient 
has failed to follow up or the patient withdraws consent, this must be reported. 
 
 
In the case of a serious adverse event, the investigator has to use all supportive measures for best 
patient treatment. The SAE form must be completed by the investigator and reported no more than 24 
hours after awareness of the event.  
The following details should be available with the initial report:  
• 
patient number 


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19  
Date: 
06.04.2020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
40/50 
 
• 
patient: date of birth, ethnic origin 
• 
name of investigator and trial site 
• 
period of administration 
• 
the suspected investigational medicinal product (IMP) 
• 
the adverse event assessed as serious 
• 
concomitant disease and medication 
• 
relevant medical history 
• 
short description of the event and outcome 
• 
description 
o 
onset and end (if applicable)  
o 
therapeutic intervention  
o 
causal relationship to each of the (study drugs)  
o 
hospitalization or prolongation of hospitalization  
o 
death, life-threatening, persistent or significant disability or incapacity  
If applicable, the initial report should be followed by the follow-up report, indicating the outcome of the 
SAE. 
For SAEs, SUSARs and pregnancies, the sponsor or a designee may follow up by telephone, fax, 
electronic mail, and/or a monitoring visit to obtain additional case details and outcome information (e.g. 
from hospital discharge summaries, consultant reports, autopsy reports) in order to perform an 
independent medical assessment of the reported case. A follow-up SAE form must also be completed 
and reported appropriately.  
SUSARs will be reported to the required regulatory authorities, investigators/institutions, and ethical 
committees in compliance with all reporting requirements according to local regulations and good clinical 
practice by the sponsor and/or its designees. 
Once per year, the sponsor or PCI will supply a report on the safety of trial subjects with all available 
relevant information concerning patient safety during the reference period to the competent supreme 
and the competent authorities of all other member states of the EU or EEA where the trial is being 
conducted. This report will also be supplied to the responsible ethics committee. 
The annual safety report will be compiled according to the corresponding ICH guideline E2F 
„Development Safety Update Report – DSUR“ 
The data lock point for the patient data to be included and analyzed is XX.XX.XXXX / the day of the 
approval of the clinical trial. 
Detailed requirements regarding form and content are covered by the ICH Guideline E2F „Development 
Safety Update Report – DSUR“. The DSUR presents a comprehensive analysis of the current safety 
profile concerning the study drug. 
The sponsor or PCI will supply the report within 60 days of one year after the reference date (data-lock 
point).  
The data lock point is the last day of the one-year reporting period following the “Development 
International Birth Date” (DIBD). This date is the sponsor’s first authorization to conduct a clinical trial in 


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19  
Date: 
06.04.2020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
41/50 
 
any country worldwide. When the DBID is not available to the sponsor, the data lock point can be defined 
as the first authorization to conduct a clinical trial in the EU if an adequate explanation can be provided. 
 
 
8. 
Documentation 
The conduct of the study in agreement with the GCP-guidelines and the investigational plan as well as 
the accuracy of all data documented in the CRF are the responsibility of the investigator. All collected 
data of this study have to be recorded on the CRF by appropriate authorized persons. This also includes 
data of patients who dropped-out of the study. 
The investigator records the participation on a special identification list of patients. This list gives the 
possibility for a later identification of the patients and contains the patient number, full name, date of 
birth and the date of the enrollment into the study. The identification list of patients remains in the study 
center after the closure of the study. Additionally, the participation of the patient in this clinical study has 
to be recorded in the patient`s medical record (investigational medicinal product, number of patient or 
randomization, start and end of the study). 
Further it has to be assured that all persons authorized for CRF entries can be identified. A list with 
signatures and identification codes of the persons must be archived in the ISF and TMF. Furthermore 
logs according to ICH E6 (e.g. Signature/Delegation/Screening/Drug Accountability log) will be 
implemented and maintained by the Investigator. 
 
8.1 
Data Recording  
A: Study with paper-based documentation 
Data of patients and investigation results should be recorded into electronic Case Report Forms (eCRF), 
which are especially developed for this study. 
The monitor is responsible for checking the entries in the eCRF at regular intervals for plausibility and 
completeness.  Corrections in the eCRF (electronic Case Report Form) can only be made by people 
authorized by the principal investigator and have to be justified. Corrections are filed in a way that 
previous data can be recalled. All data entries and corrections are traced with date, time and person. 
It is the responsibility of the investigator to document all data of the clinical study correctly and completely 
into the database.  
 
8.2 
Trial Folders 
The trial folders should contain the complete documentation of the trial. They should allow the evaluation 
of the conducted trial and data quality. 
 
8.2.1 Trial Master File (TMF) 
The TMF, established at the beginning of the trial and secured in a safe place, contains all essential 
documents that demonstrate that the trial is conducted in accordance with regulatory requirements and 


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19  
Date: 
06.04.2020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
42/50 
 
ICH GCP. All documents will be maintained and updated as appropriate throughout the trial. Previous 
versions of the documents must be retained in the TMF and will be clearly labelled as outdated or will 
be relocated in a section for outdated documents. The TMF is archived at the end of the study for 15 
years.  
 
8.2.2 Investigator Site File (ISF) 
The paper-based/electronic ISF, established at the beginning of the trial will be secured in a safe place 
(the file is provided to the site at the site initiation visit). It contains all essential documents maintained 
by the PI(s). All documents will be maintained and updated as appropriate throughout the trial. 
Previous versions of the documents must be retained in the ISF and will be clearly labelled as 
outdated or versions will be relocated in a section for outdated documents. Within the Monitoring, the 
ISF will be checking regarding actuality and completeness in accordance with the formalities. After 
completion or discontinuation of the study this ISF has to be kept for 15 years. 
 
8.3 
Data Storage 
8.3.1 Storage duties of the Sponsor 
The Sponsor has to keep all study-relevant documents of the completed or discontinued clinical trial 
after completion or discontinuation of the study for a minimum of 15 years. 
 
8.3.2 Storage duties of the Investigator 
The Investigators have to keep all records and documents, which are related with the study or the 
allocation of investigational medicinal products (e.g. data entry form, consent form, list of the allocations 
of investigational medicinal products and further relevant documents), for a minimum of 15 years. 
Medical records and other original data have to be kept for 30 years. 
 
 
9. 
Data Management 
The log is reviewed from a data management perspective, taking into account the processes of data 
collection, data acquisition, data preparation and processing, and subsequent data analysis. The clinical 
data manager must determine the variables to be collected and determine the scope of these in 
accordance with the visit plan. 
An electronic questionnaire was created for data collection, and the instructions for filling it out are 
provided as a separate document to ensure that the investigators collect data with as few errors as 
possible. 
 
The collected data is checked by a clinical monitor in accordance with the monitoring plan for accuracy, 
completeness and consistency with the original data. 
 


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19  
Date: 
06.04.2020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
43/50 
 
The electronic questionnaires are then transferred to data management. 
 
Any discrepancies are forwarded to the investigators for clarification or, in the case of self-explanatory 
discrepancies (obvious typing errors), corrected by the data management system itself. 
 
Discrepancies that can only be clarified by the investigator are sent to the trial site using a specially 
prepared form (Data Clarification Form) and answered by the investigator as quickly as possible.  
In cases where the discrepancies cannot be explained by the investigator, they are declared unsolvable 
and documented separately. 
 
After the data validation process, the data set is finalised in consultation with the responsible statistician. 
As soon as all data management activities in connection with the study are completed, the data set is 
closed and sent to the statistician for analysis. 
 
All work steps are carried out in compliance with national and international relevant legislation, internal 
SOPS and guidelines: Good Clinical Data Management Practices (GCDMP) and the Clinical Data 
Acquisition Standards Harmonization (CDASH) standards. 
 
10. Protocol Deviations 
All deviations to the study protocol have to be documented with an explanation. Deviations have to be 
reported to the sponsor, who is responsible for their valuation.  
Reasons for trial termination of a patient have to be documented. In case of termination for safety 
reasons or insufficient effect of the IMP, the patient has to be further monitored. 
Deviations have to be analyzed whether changes of the clinical investigation plan or the closure of the 
study are necessary. 
If necessary, the ethics committee or the responsible authorities have to be informed.  
 
 
 
11. Statistics 
As described, this is a study with several endpoints. This leads to two hierarchical checks. The first test 
is defined by fixed design to detect differences between the groups in the maximum death- adjusted 
SOFA score. If it is completed with a significant result, the second test is defined by a fixed design to 
detect differences between the groups in a combined event endpoint. 
Using a Wilcoxon rank sum test, the fixed design requires 83 patients per group to detect a difference 
of 3.0 ± 1.51 (X1) to 2.25 ± 1.2 (X2) in the maximum death- adjusted SOFA score on a two-sided 5% 
significance level with a power of 90%. Formally, this specification for the effect definition results in 
P(X1>X2) = 0.646. This was determined by simulation in the software R: xx.1<-rnorm(10000,3,1.5), 


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19  
Date: 
06.04.2020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
44/50 
 
xx.2<-rnorm(10000,2.25,1.2), mean(abs(xx.1) > abs(xx.2)). A drop-out rate of 20% results in a group 
size of 104 patients per group.  
Using a chi-square test with continuity correction, 319 patients per group are needed to detect a 
difference of 18% (control group) to 10% (intervention group) on a two-sided 5% significance interval 
with a power of 80%. With the adjustment of the number of cases to a failure rate of 20%, 399 patients 
per group are needed. 
Thus, the overall study could reach a maximum sample size of 2x399 = 798 patients. If the testing of 
the first endpoint is not significant, a total of 208 patients will be included in the study. If the evaluation 
after 208 patients shows a trend for the superiority of a group with respect to the primary endpoint 1 
(p<0.1), the group size can be adjusted according to the Steering Committee and statistical advice. For 
this purpose, we use the method Niewczas J, Kunz CU, König F. 
 
 
11.1 Randomization 
Randomisation is only stratified by centre. The block size is chosen as 8. The additional package 
blockrand of the software R is used for randomization. For randomisation, an electronic distribution of 
closed envelopes is used. In case of exceptions (e.g. technical problems) a manual distribution of closed 
envelopes is allowed. The order of the blocks is assigned according to computer-generated random 
numbers. 
 
11.2 Statistical Design, Methods and Analysis process 
This is a non-blinded randomized, multicenter study. A linear regression analysis with random effects is 
used to test the association of therapy with the primary endpoint (maximum death- adjusted SOFA 
score), to consider stratification and to adjust for important prognostic factors.  Stratification by centre 
uses random effects.  
The test of the composite event timing is performed using logistic regression. Again, centres are 
modelled as random factors. The therapy and adjustment factors are entered into the model as fixed 
effects. 
The exact elaboration of the analysis takes place in a statistical analysis plan (SAP), which will be 
available before the first evaluation (difference in maximum death- adjusted SOFA score). 
 
11.2.1 Target Variable 
Potentially there are two primary endpoints: 1) The maximum death- adjusted SOFA score as a 
continuous variable and 2) The combined event endpoint: admission to ICU, intubation and mortality. 
Secondary endpoints are continuous (e.g. qSOFA, viral burden, laboratory parameters, etc.) and 
categorical variables (e.g. death, admission to ICU, etc.). Hypertensive urgency and hospitalization due 
to decompensated heart failure are used as safety parameters, which are categorical variables. 
 


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19  
Date: 
06.04.2020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
45/50 
 
11.2.2 Definition of Analysis Sets/Populations/Subgroups 
All randomized patients who received their assigned treatment for at least one day form the primary 
evaluation collective (Intention-to-Treat (ITT) collective). They are evaluated according to the ITT 
principle. In addition, they are evaluated according to the Per Protocol Principle as a sensitivity analysis. 
Furthermore, the following subgroups are to be examined: 
1.) 
Stratified by age: patients > 75 years and ≤ 75 years 
2.) 
Stratified by baseline qSOFA: patients with high (>2) and low (≤2) baseline SOFA 
3.) 
Stratified by baseline viral load: patients with high (>1 × 106 copies per mL) and low (≤1 × 106 
copies per mL) baseline viral burden 
4.) 
Stratification according to indication for ACEI and ARB treatment (arterial hypertension, heart 
failure, coronary heart disease) 
 
11.2.3 Interim Analysis 
If significant evidence of a difference in the maximum death- adjusted SOFA score is found, the second 
primary endpoint is further tested. The 208 patients up to the testing of the first endpoint determine the 
first stage of the study, after an interim analysis the second study phase will then begin.  
 
If no significant difference between the two treatment groups is observed after evaluation of the data 
from the first 208 study participants, the clinical trial will be terminated prematurely. However, if the 
analysis after 208 patients shows a trend for the superiority of one group with respect to the primary 
endpoint 1 (p<0.1), the group size can be increased in accordance with the Steering Committee and 
statistical consulting.  
 
11.2.4 Handling of missing, unused or spurious Data, including Drop-outs and 
Withdrawals 
Missing values in the SOFA score are replaced by imputation procedures. The corresponding details 
are defined in SAP. Missing values in the combined event end point are evaluated as "failure". 
11.2.5 Data Analysis 
Regression analyses are used to test the association of therapy with the primary endpoint (maximum 
death- adjusted SOFA score, combined event endpoint). Centres are introduced into the corresponding 
models as random factors. The group indicators defined under points 1 to 4 in section 12.2.2. are used 
for adjustment. Within the framework of the subgroup analyses, the interaction between the therapy 
indicator and the group indicators is considered. 
 
12. Quality Management 
Training, monitoring and audits are performed for quality assurance within this clinical study. Monitoring 
and auditing procedures developed or endorsed by the sponsor will be conducted, in order to comply 
with ICH-GCP guidelines and local legal requirements to ensure acceptability of the study data.  


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19  
Date: 
06.04.2020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
46/50 
 
 
12.1 Qualifications 
The sponsor is responsible for selecting the investigator(s)/institution(s). Each investigator should be 
qualified by training and experience and should have adequate resources. Each individual involved in 
conducting a trial should be qualified by education, training and experience to perform his or her 
respective task(s) (see ICH GCP E6). 
 
12.2 Monitoring 
The monitoring of the clinical trial is carried out by an independent and qualified institution.  
The investigator agrees that the monitor will perform a data review at an interval specified in the 
monitoring plan to ensure satisfactory data collection and compliance with the clinical trial protocol. 
The investigator also agrees to cooperate with the monitor and to provide the monitor with all necessary 
information whenever necessary. This includes access to all documents related to the trial, including 
original patient records relevant to the trial. The monitor is also enabled to perform data review and 
comparison with the relevant patient records in accordance with the sponsor's SOPs and ICH-GCP 
guidelines at predetermined intervals to ensure compliance with the protocol and continuous data 
recording. All original medical findings that are necessary as the source of the information in the eCRF 
are reviewed. The patient has agreed to such a review by signing the informed consent form. A report 
of the monitoring visit will be prepared, indicating the progress of the study and any problems 
encountered. All data related to the study will be kept confidential by the monitor. 
 
12.3 Audits and Inspections 
In order to guarantee that the clinical trial is conducted in accordance with GCP guidelines, internal (e.g. 
by the sponsor) and external (e.g. by authorities) audits can be carried out for this trial. The investigator 
commits himself to give the auditor access to all study relevant information and to support the sponsor 
in solving possible ambiguities/problems. After each audit, the auditor will issue a confirmation to this 
effect. The 
This must be kept in the inspection file so that it is available in case of an inspection by the authorities. 
The audit report is sent to the sponsor of the clinical trial. At the end of this, an audit certificate is attached 
to the final report. 
All persons conducting audits must keep patient data and other clinical trial data confidential. 
 
13. Reporting 
For the documentation of the progress and development of the study, protocols about the meetings of 
the various group committees are necessary. 
 


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19  
Date: 
06.04.2020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
47/50 
 
13.1 Final Study Report 
All information relating to the clinical trial must be kept confidential. The statistical analysis and the 
attached final report will be prepared in accordance with ICH E6 guidelines. These must be completed 
within 12 months after the last examination of the last patient (Last Patient Last Visit (LPLV)). The final 
report is reviewed and signed by the sponsor, the coordinating investigator and all other responsible 
persons. All information within the report is strictly confidential. 
The physician appointed by the sponsor signs the final report of the trial. By doing so, he confirms that 
the final report describes to the best of his knowledge the conduct and results of the trial. 
 
13.2 Publication 
The results of this clinical trial will be published. The publication or presentation of the results requires 
prior comment and approval by the sponsor. All data collected in connection with the clinical trial must 
also be treated confidentially. For all publications, the data protection for all patient data must be 
maintained. The clinical trial is registered in a publicly accessible database (e.g. www.clinicaltrials.gov). 
 
14. Amendments 
In order to ensure comparable conditions in all trial sites and in the interest of proper data evaluation, 
no changes to the agreed trial conditions laid down in the clinical trial protocol are planned. 
In exceptional cases, however, changes to the conditions of the clinical trial are possible. These are only 
made after mutual agreement between the investigator and the sponsor. Any change to the trial 
procedure specified in the protocol must be made in writing, stating the reasons for the change, and 
signed by all parties responsible for the trial. The amendments will then be considered an integral part 
of the protocol. 
Deviations should be reviewed to determine whether it is necessary to amend the protocol or terminate 
the trial. 
If the change is significant and, in particular, could affect the safety of the trial subjects or influence the 
scientific validity of the trial, the sponsor undertakes to notify the Federal Office of Public Health and the 
competent Ethics Committee of the content of the change and all reasons for it. 
However, if the above list of investigators and trial sites changes, it will not be formally updated each 
time by amendments; the sponsor will maintain an updated list, which is available on request. The final 
list of all trial sites and investigators will be included in the final report. 
 
15. Ethical and Regulatory Aspects 
15.1 Responsibilities of Sponsor and Investigator 
The sponsor of this clinical trial will assume responsibility for inducement, organization and financing of 
the implementing trial according to the ICH E6. The procedures set out in this study protocol are 
designed to ensure that the sponsor and the Investigator comply with the principles of ICH-GCP the 


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19  
Date: 
06.04.2020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
48/50 
 
Declaration of Helsinki and the ICH E6 guideline concerning the conduct, evaluation and documentation 
of the study. The study will also be performed adhering the local legal conditions and requirements. 
Each Investigator has to confirm this by signing the study protocol. 
Responsibilities of the sponsor:  
• 
verification of the understanding of the investigator´s brochure or the described IMPD 
• 
verification of the understanding of treatment schedule 
• 
ensuring for enough time and capacity for the implementation of this study 
• 
correct collection and documentation of data, reporting 
• 
provision of all data to the sponsor, monitor or relevant authorities for audits or inspections 
• 
assurance for the confidential handling of patients data and information 
The principal investigator accepts the responsibility for the conduct of this clinical trial at this study site 
according to the ICH E6 
 
15.2 Approval of Ethics Committee and Notification to the Authority 
Prior to study start, the study protocol and/or other appropriate documents will be submitted to the 
relevant ECs and CAs for approval. Approval from all concerned ECs and CAs must be obtained before 
starting the study. 
 
15.3 Patient Information and Consent Form 
Every patient has to give his/her written consent BEFORE the participation in the clinical trial. Before 
the patient gives his/her written consent the patient has to be informed completely in oral and written 
form in an understandable manner about character, importance, relevance and consequences of the 
clinical trial. 
The content of the consent information is documented on the patient information/ informed consent form. 
The patient will be notified, if essential findings about the MD appear during the study. 
The informed consent of the patient about the participation in the clinical trial has to be dated and signed 
by the patient and the Investigator. The patient receives a copy of the signed and dated Patient 
information and informed consent Form. The Investigator stores the original signed and dated exemplar 
in the investigator site file. 
It has to be explicitly pointed out, that before patient sign the informed consent form it is not allowed to 
perform any study specific actions with the patient. 
 
 
15.4 Insurance 
The sponsor will take out reasonable third-party liability insurance cover in accordance with local legal 
requirements. The civil liability of the investigator, all persons instructed and the hospital, practice or 
institute in which they are employed and the liability of the sponsor in respect of financial loss due to 


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19  
Date: 
06.04.2020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
49/50 
 
personal injury and other damage that may arise as a result of the carrying out of this study are governed 
by the applicable local law. 
The sponsor will arrange for patients participating in this study to be insured against financial loss due 
to personal injury caused by the study medication or by medical steps taken in the course of the study. 
Such insurance is taken out by the sponsor in accordance with or by way of analogy to both the Austrian 
and the other participating countries pharmaceutical act. 
 
15.5 Data Protection and Confidentiality 
All clinical trial findings and documents are treated confidentially and local legal requirements regarding 
data security are observed. The investigator or the study team may not disclose any information without 
the written consent of the sponsor. 
Documents that list patients by name (e.g., informed consent forms, patient lists) must be kept 
confidential by the investigator. Patients must be informed in the patient information that all trial results 
will be stored electronically and kept strictly confidential. 
 
15.6 Financing 
The present clinical trial is financed from the university's own funds. 
 
15.7 Regulatory Aspects 
The processes set out in this study protocol are designed to ensure that the sponsor and the Investigator 
abide the principles of the ICH E6 and the Declaration of Helsinki concerning the conduct, evaluation 
and documentation of the study. The study will also be performed in compliance with the local legal 
conditions and requirements. Each investigator has to confirm this by signing the study protocol. 
 
 
16. Committees 
16.1 Steering Committee 
The Steering Committee is responsible for monitoring of the conduction and administrative progress of 
the study. The committee will meet at regular intervals. In critical phases it can also be convened at 
short notice. Members of the Steering Committee are Axel Bauer, Steffen Massberg, Konstantinos 
Rizas, Herbert Tilg, Günter Weiss, Florian Kronenberg, Oliver Keppler. 
 
16.2 Event Adjunction Committee 
An Event Adjudication Committee (EAC) will be established to evaluate clinical events and clinical 
endpoints in the study. For this purpose, the EAC will first determine the minimum amount of data 
required to classify a clinical event. The EAC will then define criteria that will be used to categorize 


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19  
Date: 
06.04.2020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
50/50 
 
clinical events and clinical endpoints. All members of the EAC will be blinded to the primary outcomes 
of the study and the group membership of the study participants. 
 
17. Appendix 
Table: Medical product list 
ACE-inhibitor 
Cilazapril 
Enalapril 
Fosinopril 
Imidapril 
Lisinopril 
Ramipril  
Perindopril  
Quinapril 
 
Angiotensin-Receptor 
blocker 
Substance 
Azilsartan 
Candesartan 
Eprosartan 
Irbesartan 
Losartan 
Olmesartan 
Telmisartan 
Valsartan 
 
 
18. Literature 
1. 
Zhou P, Yang XL, Wang XG, et al. A pneumonia outbreak associated with a new coronavirus of 
probable bat origin. Nature 2020;579:270-3. 
2. 
Lu R, Zhao X, Li J, et al. Genomic characterisation and epidemiology of 2019 novel 
coronavirus: implications for virus origins and receptor binding. Lancet 2020;395:565-74. 
3. 
Anderson RM, Heesterbeek H, Klinkenberg D, Hollingsworth TD. How will country-based 
mitigation measures influence the course of the COVID-19 epidemic? Lancet 2020;395:931-4. 
4. 
Clerkin KJ, Fried JA, Raikhelkar J, et al. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and 
Cardiovascular Disease. Circulation 2020. 


Short title: 
ACEI-COVID-19  
Date: 
06.04.2020 
Version: 
2.6 
Page: 
51/50 
 
5. 
Walls AC, Park YJ, Tortorici MA, Wall A, McGuire AT, Veesler D. Structure, Function, and 
Antigenicity of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Glycoprotein. Cell 2020. 
6. 
Hoffmann M, Kleine-Weber H, Schroeder S, et al. SARS-CoV-2 Cell Entry Depends on ACE2 
and TMPRSS2 and Is Blocked by a Clinically Proven Protease Inhibitor. Cell 2020. 
7. 
Zheng YY, Ma YT, Zhang JY, Xie X. COVID-19 and the cardiovascular system. Nat Rev Cardiol 
2020. 
8. 
Ferrario CM, Jessup J, Chappell MC, et al. Effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition 
and angiotensin II receptor blockers on cardiac angiotensin-converting enzyme 2. Circulation 
2005;111:2605-10. 
9. 
Vaduganathan M, Vardeny O, Michel T, McMurray JJV, Pfeffer MA, Solomon SD. Renin-
Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Inhibitors in Patients with Covid-19. N Engl J Med 2020. 
10. 
Guan WJ, Ni ZY, Hu Y, et al. Clinical Characteristics of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in China. N 
Engl J Med 2020. 
11. 
Zhou F, Yu T, Du R, et al. Clinical course and risk factors for mortality of adult inpatients with 
COVID-19 in Wuhan, China: a retrospective cohort study. Lancet 2020. 
12. 
Yang X, Yu Y, Xu J, et al. Clinical course and outcomes of critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2 
pneumonia in Wuhan, China: a single-centered, retrospective, observational study. Lancet Respir 
Med 2020. 
13. 
Zhang JJ, Dong X, Cao YY, et al. Clinical characteristics of 140 patients infected with SARS-
CoV-2 in Wuhan, China. Allergy 2020. 
14. 
Bhatraju PK, Ghassemieh BJ, Nichols M, et al. Covid-19 in Critically Ill Patients in the Seattle 
Region - Case Series. N Engl J Med 2020. 
15. 
Ferrario CM, Jessup J, Chappell MC, et al. Effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition 
and angiotensin II receptor blockers on cardiac angiotensin-converting enzyme 2. Circulation 
2005;111:2605-10. 
 
16. 
Zheng YY, Ma YT, Zhang JY, Xie X. COVID-19 and the cardiovascular system. Nat Rev Cardiol 
2020. 
 
17. 
Vaduganathan M, Vardeny O, Michel T, McMurray JJV, Pfeffer MA, Solomon SD. Renin-
Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Inhibitors in Patients with Covid-19. N Engl J Med 2020. 
 
18. 
Guan WJ, Ni ZY, Hu Y, et al. Clinical Characteristics of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in China. N 
Engl J Med 2020. 
 
19. 
Fang L, Karakiulakis G, Roth M. Are patients with hypertension and diabetes mellitus at 
increased risk for COVID-19 infection? Lancet Respir Med 2020;8:e21. 
 
20. 
Fang L, Karakiulakis G, Roth M. Are patients with hypertension and diabetes mellitus at 
increased risk for COVID-19 infection? Lancet Respir Med 2020;8:e21.