Research to Help COVID Patients

To find new ways to control COVID deaths, the Department of Defense https://dod.defense.gov   is establishing genetic sequencing for COVID-19. This is important since researching genetic sequence data plays a vital role in dealing with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). DOD has established a collaborative to work on SARS CoV-2 sequencing efforts.

The Armed Forces Health Surveillance Branch’s Global Emerging Infections Surveillance (GEIS) section is currently working with partners from the Army, Navy, and Air Force public health and medical research laboratories. The goal is to provide critical data on transmission patterns, track diagnostic effectiveness, and provide help for the active duty and reserve personnel.

To move forward with other research on the virus, the Defense Health Agency https://health.mil recently awarded Ophirex Inc., https://www.ophirex.com located in Corte Madera California, a $9,873,778 hybrid (cost plus fixed fee and firm fixed price) contract to support a clinical study. The study is being done to determine the safety and efficacy of the drug Varespladib to control or prevent COVID-19 Associated Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

Bids were solicited via the internet with 63 bids received. The work will be performed in Corte Madera with an estimated completion expected June 18,2023. FY 20 Defense Health Program funds were available at the time of the award. The U.S Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity at Fort Detrick Maryland conducted the contracting activity (W81XWH-20-C-0066).