MASSENA – A clinical trial involving COVID antibody therapies has been expanded to Massena Hospital.

St. Lawrence Health System’s Clinical and Rural Health Research Department was selected in September 2020 to be part of the COVID-19 ACTIV-2 Outpatient Monoclonal Antibodies and Other Therapies Trial.

The trial has been underway at Canton-Potsdam Hospital, and has expanded to Massena Hospital, with oversight provided by Massena Hospital Chief of Medicine, Birinder Singh, MD, FRCPC, a press release from SLHS said.

“ACTIV-2 is designed to help us rapidly identify treatments that have the potential to radically alter the current pandemic, and make a profound difference in the lives of people who have mild to moderate COVID-19,” stated Infectious Diseases provider Daniel Soule, DO.

While initial treatments are offered primarily at the Massena location, some Potsdam appointments may be available upon request. Trial participation requires patients to have follow-up appointments, which can be conducted at either location.

“Follow-up visits help us track the patients’ COVID-19 symptoms and identify any improvement or progression of the disease. The follow-up visits include some laboratory work, a physical exam, and checking vital signs,” noted Clinical Research Director Carly Lovelett, CCRP.

Some investigational treatments under study in the clinical trial will advance through one or more research phases.

“This study is designed to study multiple investigational agents simultaneously, creating an atmosphere where exciting new treatments are consistently being studied,” Lovelett said.