Efficacy of oral 20-hydroxyecdysone (BIO101), a MAS receptor activator, in adults with severe COVID-19 (COVA): a randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 2/3 trial.

Background: SARS-CoV-2 binding to ACE2 is potentially associated with severe pneumonia due to COVID-19. The aim of the study was to test whether Mas-receptor activation by 20-hydroxyecdysone (BIO101) could restore the Renin-Angiotensin System equilibrium and limit the frequency of respiratory failure and mortality in adults hospitalized with severe COVID-19. Methods: Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phase 2/3 trial. Randomization: 1:1 oral BIO101 (350 mg BID) or placebo, up to 28 days or until an endpoint was reached. Primary endpoint: mortality or respiratory failure requiring high-flow oxygen, mechanical ventilation, or extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation. Key secondary endpoint: hospital discharge following recovery (ClinicalTrials.gov Number, NCT04472728). Findings: Due to low recruitment the planned sample size of 310 was not reached and 238 patients were randomized between August 26, 2020 and March 8, 2022. In the modified ITT population (233 patients; 126 BIO101 and 107 placebo), respiratory failure or early death by day 28 was 11.4% lower in the BIO101 (13.5%) than in the placebo (24.3%) group, (p = 0.0426). At day 28, proportions of patients discharged following recovery were 80.1%, and 70.9% in the BIO101 and placebo group respectively, (adjusted difference 11.0%, 95% CI [-0.4%, 22.4%], p = 0.0586). Hazard Ratio for time to death over 90 days: 0.554 (95% CI [0.285, 1.077]), a 44.6% mortality reduction in the BIO101 group (not statistically significant). Treatment emergent adverse events of respiratory failure were more frequent in the placebo group. Interpretation: BIO101 significantly reduced the risk of death or respiratory failure supporting its use in adults hospitalized with severe respiratory symptoms due to COVID-19. Funding: Biophytis.

Understanding the Multilevel Disability Self-Management Strategies of Puerto Rican Older Men.

Aims: To explore the person, environment, and occupation-related self-management strategies used by older Hispanic men to cope with disabilities in different types of daily activities. Methods: A concurrent transformative mixed method design (with priority given to the qualitative phase) guided by the Environment and Occupational Performance Model was used to collect and analyze data of 12 participants with functional disabilities. Quantitative data was gathered using the PROMIS Physical Function Short Form-20. Qualitative data was obtained from in-depth semi-structured interviews on participants' self-management strategies. Results: The average T-score (35.96) was below the national average. Participants reported higher levels of functional disabilities in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), and predominantly used practical social support and change in method of performance to manage their difficulties in self-care, IADL, and functional mobility activities. Conclusions: These strategies may be used with similar populations to design interventions aimed at increasing older Puerto Rican's function.