Live updates May 6: Piedmont enrolling patients in two COVID-19-related clinical trials
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus in the Chattahoochee Valley. Check back for updates.
Piedmont Healthcare enrolling patients in two coronavirus-related clinical trials
Piedmont Healthcare will participate in two new clinical trials that will investigate therapies for patients who are positive for COVID-19: one that will evaluate the efficacy of the anti-inflammatory drug Gimsilumab and another that will investigate proning, or repositioning patients to improve their oxygen levels. These studies began enrolling patients in early May.
COVID-19 has two phases: an initial viral phase and then an inflammatory phase, which has been detected in major organs throughout the body, according to a release from Piedmont. Gimsilumab is designed to target this reaction and block parts of the body’s inflammatory cascade and to cool down the immune system’s response.
The trial will consist of 270 participants and is expected to be complete in October. Piedmont is one of 18 sites participating in this study and is the third to be activated.
As part of the inflammatory response, one of the symptoms that some COVID-19 patients report is difficulty breathing. The disease can diminish a patient’s oxygen levels to a dangerous degree. To investigate a potential therapy to address this issue, the APPEX-19 trial will study whether having COVID-19 patients who have mild symptoms lay prone on their stomachs soon after arriving at the hospital can improve their oxygen levels.
Georgia Emergency Management, Department of Public Health distribute largest PPE shipment to date
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announced Wednesday that the largest shipment of personal protection equipment (PPE) to date has been distributed by the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency in cooperation with the Georgia Department of Public Health.
More than 600 orders, equaling 150 pallets of PPE and supplies, left the DPH warehouse bound for hospitals, healthcare facilities and test sites throughout the state.
Red Tails perform flyover for healthcare workers at East Alabama Medical Center
Two F-16 Red Tails flew over East Alabama Medical Center’s campuses on Tuesday, to thank first responders for their service.
A total of six F-16s also flew over Auburn, Tuskegee, Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, Mobile, Decatur and Dothan.
Coronavirus Response Fund distributions reach $830,000
United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley and the Community Foundation has distributed a total of $830,220 through the Coronavirus Response Fund, Community Fund President and CEO Betsy Covington told the Ledger-Enquirer.
Columbus Tech offering free classes
In an effort to keep the community’s workforce strong and vibrant during these times, Columbus Technical College is offering free online professional development classes.
For more information, visit CTC’s professional development page, linked here.
This story was originally published May 6, 2020 at 9:53 AM.
