Pre-clinical and randomized clinical trial with bromhexine and
N-acetylcysteine for COVID-19
Abstract
Treatment options for mild to moderate COVID-19 is limited.
N-acetylcysteine and bromhexine have antiviral activity and show
potential as treatment options against SARS-CoV-2 infections. This study
evaluates the in vitro antiviral effect of bromhexine (BMX) for
SARS-CoV-2 and determines the efficacy of treatment with BMX in
combination with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) to reduce clinical scores in
patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. Upon evidence from pre-clinical
studies, a single center randomized trial of BMX + NAC
(ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04928495) with 420 participants in
total took place in Fortaleza, CE, Brazil. Out of the 420 participants
140 received placebo, 140 received NAC alone, and 140 received NAC +
BMX. Patients were monitored for 10-14 days, where physicians recorded
all signs and symptoms reported. Nasopharyngeal swabs and blood samples
were collected for SARS-CoV-2 RNA testing during the first visit, as
well as 3 and 10 days after. Blood samples were collected at first visit
and 10 days after for immuno-inflammatory biomarkers measurements.
Treatment with NAC+BMX reduced clinical scores and symptoms when
compared to placebo group (2/26; 8% vs 7/18; 39%; p < 0.05).
Fever (≥37.8°C) was reduced by NAC + BMX treatment when compared to
treatment with NAC alone and placebo. This study was limited by a
largely vaccinated population. Our analysis showed that BMX reduces
SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro. Clinical trial results suggested
that combinatory treatment with NAC + BMX is beneficial in mild to
moderate COVID-19.