Study of the Use of Nasal IFN-γ in Patients for the Prevention of Acute Respiratory Viral Infections, Icluding COVID-19

The tissues of the upper respiratory tract: the mucous membrane of the oropharynx, nose, - as well as the lung parenchyma are identified as the main targets of SARS-CoV-2. Previously published data from studies describe that in vitro and in vivo observations SARS-CoV-2 replicates exponentially during the first few days after infection to the peak of the host's antiviral response. It is assumed that it is the violation of the antiviral immunity of the nasal epithelium that may underlie the development of a severe form of the disease. The significance of interferon protection proven in early studies supposes that it can reduce peak viral load and viral reproduction index.

To confirm the efficacy and safety of nasal interferon gama use in healthy participants for COVID-19 and other respiratory infections prevention there is a need of interventional study. Interferon gamma has many years of clinical experience in the prevention and treatment of various viral infections, including coronavirus nature, flu and pneumonia.

After participant enrollment, comprehensive baseline documentation of anamnestic, clinical and allergy data is collected on the same day if possible. For participants who develops acute respiratory symptoms or recieve positive PCR test for SARS-CoV-2, all parameters are collected that may be necessary to assess the type and severity of acute respiratory disease. Furthermore, data is collected that may be suitable for an assessment of the safety profile. In particular, questions are asked about known infection risks, lifestyle, alternative prevention methods, immune competence, rate of acute respiratory infections, the history of symptoms and tests relating to COVID-19, preexisting medication, as well as ethnicity.

On the day of inclusion (day -3-1) routine clinical values, safety-relevant data, WHO scale score, concomitant medication and anamnesis, as well as study criteria analysis are documented.

On the day 0 (randomization visit) and at termination visit (up to 90 days) repeated routine clinical values, safety-relevant data, WHO scale score, and concomitant medication are collected. If the patient falls ill, the necessary disease information is documented. If the patient dies, the date and cause of death are documented.

On days 24-30 after randomization, a follow-up call takes place with particular attention to the health-related events such as respiratory diseases or other changes in health and vital status and drug compliance. If the participant cannot be reached for the follow-up call, the including study center will attempt to reach the participant, otherwise exclude the participant.

A nasopharynx swab is obtained on days 0 to exclude asymptomatic patients before the randomisation. If possible, sputum is obtained for termination visit and during the acute respiratory symproms manifestation to confirm COVID-19.