Epstein-Barr virus suppression in COPD (EViSCO)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the effect of Epstein-Barr virus suppression in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (EViSCO trial).
IRAS ID
226079
Contact name
Dermot Linden
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust (BHSCT)
Eudract number
2017-004686-28
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
COPD is a major cause of morbidity and is projected to become the third most common cause of global mortality within the next decade. There are no medications that can meaningfully alter the symptomatic decline or time to death. Previous research conducted by members of our study team has demonstrated that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is more frequently identified in the airways of COPD sufferers when compared to smokers who do not suffer from COPD. At present it is not known whether suppression of EBV helps in COPD. We will conduct a clinical trial to evaluate if a long established antiviral therapy (Valaciclovir), routinely used to treat herpes zoster virus infection, can be used to suppress EBV shedding within the airways of COPD sufferers compared to placebo. The treatment will be randomised and blinded to both patients and investigators. The trial will recruit 88 participants who will undergo lung function testing, clinical assessment and provide blood and sputum samples at three separate hospital visits during an 8-week period (samples will be collected at 0, 4 & 8 weeks). A small subgroup of trial participants will undergo bronchoscopy on a voluntary basis to enable assessment of the airway cells before and after treatment. The study will take place in The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. Patients who suffer from COPD (GOLD 2 & GOLD 3) and concurrent EBV infection will be eligible to participate in the study. If the treatment is effective this will lead to further research to determine whether antiviral therapy is effective in patients with COPD. The study will also provide new information about the mechanisms of how COPD develops and potentially identify new therapeutic targets.
REC name
HSC REC B
REC reference
18/NI/0106
Date of REC Opinion
2 Jul 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion