UCalgary is one of seven sites across Canada seeking participants for a study on preventing COVID-19 infection

CALGARY (CityNews) – The University of Calgary is one of seven sites across Canada gathering participants for a study on preventing COVID-19 infection.

With eligibility open for kids and adults, it could mean protection for those who currently have none.

“There’s obviously certain proportions of the population, children especially, that aren’t going to be getting vaccinated at the moment,” explained Dr. Ranjani Somayaji, MD, Assistant Professor at University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine and a member of the Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases. “Because our trial is open to anyone over six months of age, that again is another demographic or age group that we can hopefully help with this trial.”

The national study is using Lopinavir Ritonavir, branded in Canada as Kaletra, a treatment for HIV.

“It was used in a prior coronavirus infection in South Korea to show that HCW’s that were exposed to the virus had a lesser chance of getting infected.”

The hope is that early treatment can make participants who catch COVID-19 less sick or entirely prevent people from becoming infected after exposure.

It’s very easy for those who want to be part of the study to do so since you can participate in the comfort of your own home.

“We would mail out the testing kits, walk them through it via zoom, and our study team is always available by phone or zoom as well,” she added.

The COVID-prevention study is one of few of its kind, and presents a rare option for kids 11 and under, who can’t yet be vaccinated.

“There are limited numbers of prevention trials going on, and this is really the only one in Calgary right now, so I think it’s a great opportunity for people who are exposed,” added Somayaji.

“For children that aren’t eligible for [the] vaccine yet, I think it’s a great opportunity to make sure that we’re keeping them as safe as possible.”

The study is still looking for participants for the trial.