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Study on the Effects of Baricitinib and Drug Combination for Adults with Severe Community-Acquired Pneumonia, Severe Influenza, or Severe and Moderate COVID-19

Verified siteRegistered drugNo placebo
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What is this trial about?

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

This clinical trial is focused on studying treatments for severe respiratory illnesses, including severe influenza, severe and moderate COVID-19 infection, and severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The trial aims to find out how different treatments can improve the health outcomes of patients who are seriously ill and admitted to the hospital, especially those in intensive care units (ICUs). The main goal is to see if these treatments can reduce the number of deaths within 90 days for patients with severe CAP and during a pandemic, to improve outcomes for those with acute illnesses due to suspected or confirmed pandemic infections.

The study involves several medications, including baricitinib, piperacillin sodium, tazobactam sodium, tocilizumab, amoxicillin sodium, clavulanic acid, azithromycin, levofloxacin, erythromycin lactobionate, baloxavir marboxil, oseltamivir, moxifloxacin, dexamethasone, imatinib, ceftriaxone, hydrocortisone, and roxithromycin. Some patients may receive a placebo, which is a substance with no active medication, to compare the effects of the actual treatments. The trial is designed to adapt and change based on the results as they come in, which helps researchers find the best treatment options more quickly.

Participants in the study will receive one or more of these treatments, and their health will be monitored over time to see how they respond. The study will look at various outcomes, such as survival rates, the length of time spent in the ICU, and the number of days patients are free from needing a ventilator or other organ support. The trial is expected to continue until March 2026, with the aim of providing valuable information on how to best treat these serious respiratory conditions.

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, the patient is admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) or a suspected pandemic infection.

    The patient must be an adult and admitted to the ICU within 48 hours of hospital admission with symptoms like difficulty breathing, cough, or chest pain, along with radiological evidence of infection.

  2. Step 2

    Initial assessment

    The patient undergoes an initial assessment to confirm eligibility, which includes checking for the need for ventilatory support or infusion of medications to support heart function.

  3. Step 3

    Treatment allocation

    The patient is randomly assigned to receive one or more of the following medications, depending on their specific condition and the study's requirements:

    Baricitinib (oral use), Piperacillin and Beta-lactamase Inhibitor (IV infusion), Tocilizumab (IV infusion), Amoxicillin and Beta-lactamase Inhibitor (IV injection or infusion), Azithromycin (oral or IV use), Levofloxacin (IV infusion), Erythromycin Lactobionate (IV injection or infusion), Baloxavir Marboxil (oral use), Clarithromycin (oral or IV use), Oseltamivir (oral use), Moxifloxacin (IV infusion), Dexamethasone (oral or IV use), Imatinib (oral use), Ceftriaxone (IV injection or infusion), Hydrocortisone (IV injection or infusion), Roxithromycin (oral use).

  4. Step 4

    Treatment administration

    The patient receives the assigned treatment according to the study protocol, which includes specific dosages and administration routes for each medication.

    The duration and frequency of administration depend on the patient's response and the study's guidelines.

  5. Step 5

    Monitoring and follow-up

    The patient's health is closely monitored throughout the study, with regular assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment.

    The primary goal is to improve outcomes, such as reducing mortality within 90 days and minimizing the need for organ support.

  6. Step 6

    Study completion

    The study concludes with a final assessment of the patient's health status, including survival and quality of life measures.

    The study aims to gather data on the effectiveness of various treatments for severe CAP and pandemic infections.

Who can join the trial?

4 criteria

  • The patient must be an adult who is admitted to an ICU (Intensive Care Unit) for severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) within 48 hours of arriving at the hospital. The patient should have symptoms like sudden difficulty breathing, cough, or sharp chest pain, along with X-ray evidence of a new lung infection.
  • Within 48 hours of being admitted to the ICU, the patient should be receiving support for their organs. This can include help with breathing using machines (ventilatory support) or medications that help the heart pump blood (vasopressors or inotropes).
  • For patients affected by a pandemic: The patient must be an adult admitted to the hospital with a sudden illness due to a suspected or confirmed pandemic infection.
  • There may be additional specific requirements outlined in a separate document called a Domain Specific Appendix (DSA).

Who cannot join the trial?

6 criteria

  • Patients who do not have severe influenza, which is a very serious flu infection.
  • Patients who do not have severe or moderate COVID-19 infection, which is a serious or moderate illness caused by the coronavirus.
  • Patients who do not have severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), which is a serious lung infection caught outside of a hospital.
  • Patients who are not admitted to an ICU, which is the Intensive Care Unit, a special part of the hospital for very sick patients.
  • Patients who are not adults, meaning they are not in the age range of 18 years and older.
  • Patients who are part of a vulnerable population, which means they are not in a group that needs special protection or care.
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Investigated drugs

  • Azithromycin

    is an antibiotic used to treat various types of infections caused by bacteria. In this trial, it is being tested to see if it can help improve outcomes for patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) who are admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU).

  • Hydrocortisone

    is a corticosteroid medication that helps reduce inflammation in the body. It is being studied in this trial to determine if it can improve survival rates for patients with severe CAP by reducing inflammation in the lungs.

  • Vitamin C

    is a vitamin that is important for the immune system and overall health. In this trial, it is being evaluated to see if high doses can help improve the recovery of patients with severe CAP by boosting their immune response.

  • Simvastatin

    is a medication typically used to lower cholesterol levels. In this trial, it is being investigated to see if it has additional benefits in reducing inflammation and improving outcomes for patients with severe CAP.

  • Interferon Beta-1a

    is a medication that is used to treat multiple sclerosis by modulating the immune system. In this trial, it is being tested to see if it can help improve the immune response and outcomes for patients with severe CAP during a pandemic.

What is already known about the treatment

Oseltamivir – This medication is administered orally in the form of capsules or liquid suspension. It is widely recognized in medical literature as an antiviral drug primarily used for the treatment and prevention of influenza. Oseltamivir is indicated for severe influenza, severe and moderate COVID-19 infection, and severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). At the molecular level, it works by inhibiting the neuraminidase enzyme, which is essential for the replication of the influenza virus. It is classified pharmacologically as a neuraminidase inhibitor.

Investigated diseases

  • Severe Influenza

    Severe influenza is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system, causing symptoms such as high fever, body aches, fatigue, and cough. It progresses rapidly, often leading to complications like pneumonia, especially in vulnerable populations such as the elderly or those with weakened immune systems. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets, making it highly contagious. In severe cases, it can cause significant respiratory distress and require hospitalization. The body's immune response to the virus can also lead to inflammation and further complications. Recovery time varies, but severe cases can take weeks to resolve fully.

  • Severe and Moderate COVID-19 Infection

    COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Severe cases often involve difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, and confusion, potentially leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The disease progresses as the virus replicates in the body, causing inflammation and damage to the lungs and other organs. Moderate cases may involve symptoms like fever, cough, and fatigue, but without the severe respiratory distress seen in more critical cases. The virus spreads easily through respiratory droplets, making it highly contagious. The progression and severity can vary widely among individuals.

  • Severe Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP)

    Severe community-acquired pneumonia is a lung infection acquired outside of a hospital setting, characterized by inflammation of the air sacs in one or both lungs. It often presents with symptoms such as cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. The infection can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, with bacterial pneumonia being the most common. In severe cases, the infection can lead to complications like sepsis or respiratory failure, requiring intensive medical care. The disease progresses as the infection spreads in the lungs, causing fluid accumulation and impaired oxygen exchange. Early intervention is crucial to prevent further complications.

Trial detailsLast updated 7 Oct 2026
Age18+ yearsPhasePhase IIITrial ID2023-507889-89-00Protocol codeNCT02735707Estimated enrolment3 471 patientsSponsorUniversitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht

sourced from the EU Clinical Trials Register and site verification

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