COVID-19 cases are stable or declining across most U.S. states. The CDC reports 36 states show declining or likely declining infections. Only one state shows growth, while 10 states remain unchanged. In some U.S. states and territories, the data is still inconclusive.
Even with cases dropping, new COVID-19 treatments remain essential. Future surges or infectious new variants could still emerge. Researchers are actively seeking therapies to lower risks for patients.
A study from King’s College London tested inhaled heparin. Results showed lower risk of severe complications and reduced need for ventilation. The drug also showed promise for other respiratory infections
How Does Heparin Help Treat COVID-19?
Researchers studied nearly 500 patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Participants represented six countries across multiple hospital settings.
Results showed inhaled heparin cut the risk of ventilation by half. Patients also had a much lower risk of dying compared to traditional care.
Normally, heparin is injected into patients to break down blood clots. In this study, researchers tested an inhaled form of the drug. The aim was to deliver treatment directly to the lungs.
Heparin has anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. Earlier studies confirmed it improved breathing and oxygenation in patients.
Future Testing and Study Limitations
Researchers caution more investigation is needed before general use. They recommend further testing in other serious respiratory infections, such as pneumonia. These illnesses often begin from multiple viruses or bacteria.
The drug may be especially useful for patients with suppressed immunity. This includes cancer patients who develop respiratory infections. Future trials in Europe will test inhaled heparin against flu and RSV. Researchers also aim to create improved inhalation formulations. Better delivery methods may boost effectiveness even further.
The study still had important limitations. Not all research sites used blinded, placebo-controlled conditions. This was only true in the U.S., while other countries did not. Protocols also varied between hospitals, including delivery methods and doses. Heparin itself may have been prepared using different sources. These differences could have affected results, though overall findings were consistent.
Another limitation is that patients already on ventilators were excluded. The drug’s effects in the most severe cases remain unknown. A future meta-trial will explore outcomes in intubated patients. Oxygenation reports were also inconsistent across studies. Still, results point to strong promise for inhaled heparin treatment.
Conclusion
Inhaled heparin shows strong promise as a new COVID-19 therapy. The drug may also help treat pneumonia, flu, and RSV. Continued trials could expand its role in protecting vulnerable patients.
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Logan Hamilton is a health and wellness freelance writer for hire. He’s passionate about crafting crystal-clear, captivating, and credible content that elevates brands and establishes trust. When not writing, Logan can be found hiking, sticking his nose in bizarre books, or playing drums in a local rock band. Find him at loganjameshamilton.com.
