Antiviral Strategies in the Prevention of Long-term Cardiovascular Outcomes Following COVID-19: The paxloviD/Remdesivir Effectiveness For the prEvention of loNg coviD Clinical Trial

What this study is about

The DEFEND trial will be the world's first clinical trial to study the effectiveness of Paxlovid or Veklury in the prevention of cardiovascular post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 among hospitalized adults. Additionally, this pilot study will inform the design and conduct of a future full-scale multi-centre trial by testing the feasibility and accuracy of this study design.

Who can join (things the study team will check)

✅ You may be able to join if…

• ≥18 years old
• Positive PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 within 5 days of admission to hospital
• Normoxic (not receiving supplemental oxygen)
• Able to provide informed written consent (or, if patient is unable, have substitute decision maker available)

🚫 You may not be able to join if…

• Absolute contraindications to Paxlovid or Veklury (any of the following): Severe allergy to Paxlovid or Veklury (e.g. anaphylaxis), co-administration with drugs highly dependent on CYP3A for clearance, co-administration with potent CYP3A inducers
• Exposure to Paxlovid or Veklury within previous 14 days;
• Receiving supplemental oxygen;
• Known positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR or rapid antigen test 5-90 days prior to admission;
• Limited life expectancy estimated to be ≤3 months;
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women

Where this trial is running

• Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
• Niagara Health System, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
• Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• St. Joseph's Health Centre, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Who to contact

Dr. Kieran Quinn · 416-843-8403 · kieran.quinn@mail.utoronto.ca

It's completely normal to call and ask questions before deciding anything. Mention the study ID: NCT06792214.