Study finds colchicine helps counter devastating effects of COVID-19

Colchicine is believed to significantly reduce the risk of death and hospitalization for patients with IDVOC-19, according to a Montreal Heart Institute study.

Of the 4488 patients who participated in the research, the researchers observed that the administration of this anti-inflammatory drug, usually used to treat gout, reduced the risk of hospitalization and death by 21% compared to placebo.

This result is close to "statistical significance," the Institute was pleased to report.

For the 4159 patients whose diagnosis of COVID-19 was confirmed by a PCR test, it was noted that colchicine reduced the chances of being hospitalized by 25%.

"This product can reduce approximately 25% of hospitalizations following a positive test for COVID-19. Since the study came out, I have received about 500 emails in one day from several scientists around the world who are interested in the drug. We are also in contact with the Quebec government. We have worked hard to get this study out, there hasn't been much of a day off since last March," said Dr. Jean-Claude Tardif, Principal Investigator of the COLCORONA study, speaking to Sophie Durocher on QUB radio.

Even better: deaths were reduced by 44% and the need for mechanical ventilation was reduced by 50%.

"Our study showed the effectiveness of colchicine treatment in preventing the "major inflammatory storm" phenomenon and reducing the complications associated with COVID-19," commented Dr. Jean-Claude Tardif.

He says he is confident that this drug will help reduce hospital traffic.

"We are pleased to offer the world's first oral drug whose use could have a significant impact on public health and potentially prevent the complications of COVID-19 in millions of patients," emphasized the Director of the Montreal Heart Institute Research Centre.

The COLCORONA study has been deployed not only in Canada, but also in the United States, Europe, South America and South Africa.