Skip to content
Clinical Trials – home

Rare diseases

Investigational molecules

Locations

Our offerNewsroom

Not recruiting

Study on Nitric Oxide and Saline Nasal Sprays for Treating COVID-19 and Similar Illnesses in Primary Care Patients

Verified siteInvestigational
Clinical Trials Concierge

Prefer not to search? Our Concierge searches the trials for you.

What is this trial about?

A plain-language summary of the goals, design and what participants do

This clinical trial is focused on studying the treatment of COVID-19 and illnesses that resemble COVID-19, often referred to as COVID-like illnesses. The treatment being tested is a Nitric Oxide Nasal Spray (NONS), which is a nasal spray containing nitric oxide, a chemical substance. The study will also use a Saline Nasal Spray (0.9% NaCl), which is a simple saltwater solution, as a comparison. The purpose of the study is to evaluate how effective the Nitric Oxide Nasal Spray is in helping people recover from symptoms of COVID-19 or similar illnesses.

Participants in the study will use the nasal sprays for a period of up to seven days. During this time, researchers will monitor how quickly participants feel better from their symptoms and how the treatment affects the virus in their bodies. The study will also look at how the treatment impacts the severity of the illness and the body's immune response. Participants will be asked to report when they first feel recovered and how their symptoms change over time.

The study aims to gather information on how the treatment affects daily activities and overall well-being. It will also explore any long-term effects of COVID-19 or similar illnesses, such as fatigue or loss of taste and smell. The trial will help researchers understand the potential benefits of using Nitric Oxide Nasal Spray in treating COVID-19 and related illnesses, providing valuable insights into managing these conditions in the future.

The research process

The trial runs in 6 steps – from screening to follow-up. Each step says what happens and what the team monitors.

  1. Step 1

    Joining the study

    Upon joining the study, eligibility is confirmed based on specific criteria such as age, symptoms, and ability to comply with trial procedures.

    Participants must have symptoms of COVID-19 or a similar illness, including both respiratory and systemic symptoms.

  2. Step 2

    Initial assessment

    An initial assessment is conducted to evaluate the severity of symptoms and overall health status.

    Participants are informed about the trial procedures and provide informed consent.

  3. Step 3

    Treatment phase

    Participants receive a nitric oxide nasal spray or a saline nasal spray as a control.

    The nasal spray is administered as per the trial protocol, with specific instructions on dosage and frequency provided to each participant.

  4. Step 4

    Monitoring and follow-up

    Participants are monitored for symptom progression and recovery.

    Self-reports on recovery and daily activities are collected to assess the impact of the treatment.

  5. Step 5

    Data collection

    Data on viral clearance and symptom severity is collected at specified intervals, such as days 4, 7, and 14.

    Participants may be required to store self-collected swabs at home for analysis.

  6. Step 6

    End of trial participation

    The trial concludes with a final assessment of recovery and any long-term effects.

    Participants' experiences and feedback on the trial are gathered for further analysis.

Who can join the trial?

9 criteria

  • Participant must be at least 18 years old on the day of joining the study.
  • Participant must have at least two symptoms that suggest COVID-19 or a similar illness. One symptom should be related to breathing, like a cough or sore throat, and another should be a general symptom, like fever or tiredness.
  • A doctor or qualified person must confirm that the illness is due to a breathing-related infection.
  • Symptoms must have started less than 7 days ago.
  • Participant must be willing and able to give their agreement to join the study.
  • Participant must be willing and able to follow all study procedures, including having a freezer at home to store self-collected samples.
  • For women who can have children, additional criteria may apply, such as pregnancy or breastfeeding. Women must use a reliable method of birth control or agree to abstain from sex for 30 days before and after joining the study.
  • For specific interventions, symptoms must have started within 3 days.
  • For specific interventions, women who can have children must be prepared to use an effective method of birth control or abstain from sex for 30 days before and after joining the study.

Who cannot join the trial?

4 criteria

  • Individuals who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 or a COVID-like illness cannot participate. This means if you don't have symptoms similar to those caused by the COVID-19 virus, you are not eligible.
  • Participants must fall within certain age ranges. If you are not within the specified age groups, you cannot join the study.
  • Both males and females are eligible, but if you do not identify as either, you may not be able to participate.
  • People considered part of a vulnerable population are not eligible. This generally refers to groups who may need special protection or care, such as those with certain health conditions or disabilities.
Clinical Trials Concierge

Prefer not to search? Our Concierge searches the trials for you.

Tell us about your condition – we search every trial in Europe and connect you with the right site.

We usually reply within a few days

Verified sites

All sites with verified contact details – recruitment status may not be available; ask directly

Trial locations

Where you can join this trial

Countries are shaded by recruitment status. Click a recruiting country to ask about joining there.

Not recruiting
Not finding your country?

Not sure what to do next?

Joining a clinical trial can seem overwhelming. We guide you step by step, so you know exactly what to expect and how we support you through the process.

See the full process and FAQ

Investigated drugs

  • Remdesivir

    is an antiviral medication used to treat COVID-19. It works by interfering with the virus's ability to replicate, which can help reduce the severity and duration of the illness. In this trial, it is being evaluated for its effectiveness in helping patients recover from COVID-19 symptoms and its impact on the virus's presence in the body.

  • Dexamethasone

    is a corticosteroid that helps reduce inflammation in the body. It is used in the treatment of severe COVID-19 cases to help decrease the body's inflammatory response, which can be harmful if it becomes too intense. The trial is assessing its role in improving recovery times and reducing illness severity.

  • Baricitinib

    is a medication that helps reduce inflammation by blocking certain enzymes in the body. It is being tested in this trial for its potential to improve recovery in COVID-19 patients by reducing the inflammatory response associated with the infection.

  • Tocilizumab

    is an immunosuppressive drug that targets specific proteins involved in inflammation. It is used to treat severe cases of COVID-19 where the immune system's response is causing harm. The trial is investigating its effectiveness in reducing symptoms and improving recovery outcomes.

  • Favipiravir

    is an antiviral medication that inhibits the replication of the virus. It is being studied in this trial to determine its effectiveness in shortening the duration of COVID-19 symptoms and aiding in viral clearance from the body.

What is already known about the treatment

Remdesivir – Remdesivir is administered intravenously, meaning it is given through a vein. It is currently approved for use in treating COVID-19 and is well-documented in medical literature as an antiviral medication. The main therapeutic indication for Remdesivir is the treatment of COVID-19, particularly in hospitalized patients. At the molecular level, Remdesivir works by inhibiting the replication of the virus, preventing it from multiplying in the body. It is classified pharmacologically as an antiviral agent.

Investigated diseases

  • COVID-19

    COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. It primarily spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, and loss of taste or smell. The disease can progress to pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome in severe cases. Some individuals may experience long-term effects, known as "long COVID," which can include fatigue, difficulty breathing, and cognitive issues. The progression and severity of symptoms can vary widely among individuals.

  • COVID-like illness

    COVID-like illness refers to a set of symptoms that resemble those of COVID-19 but may not be caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, and shortness of breath. The illness can be caused by other respiratory viruses or conditions that mimic COVID-19 symptoms. The progression of symptoms can vary, with some individuals experiencing mild symptoms and others developing more severe respiratory issues. It is important to differentiate COVID-like illness from COVID-19 to ensure appropriate management and isolation measures. The term is often used in clinical settings to describe cases where COVID-19 has not been confirmed.

Trial detailsLast updated 7 Oct 2026
Age18+ yearsPhasePhase IVTrial ID2022-501707-27-01Protocol codeEU-EcraidPC-1Estimated enrolment1 201 patientsSponsorUniversitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht

sourced from the EU Clinical Trials Register and site verification

Want to learn more about this trial or check if you can participate?

Clinical Trials Concierge

Prefer not to search? Our Concierge searches the trials for you.

Tell us about your condition – we search every trial in Europe and connect you with the right site.