Effect of ArtemiC in patients with COVID-19: A Phase II prospective study

Abstract

Despite intensive efforts, there is no effective remedy for COVID-19. Moreover, vaccination efficacy declines over time and may be compromised against new SARS-CoV-2 lineages. Therefore, there remains an unmet need for simple, accessible, low-cost and effective pharmacological anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents. ArtemiC is a medical product comprising artemisinin, curcumin, frankincense and vitamin C, all of which possess anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. The present Phase II placebo-controlled, double-blinded, multi-centred, prospective study evaluated the efficacy and safety of ArtemiC in patients with COVID-19. The study included 50 hospitalized symptomatic COVID-19 patients randomized (2:1) to receive ArtemiC or placebo oral spray, twice daily on Days 1 and 2, beside standard care. A physical examination was performed, and vital signs and blood tests were monitored daily until hospital discharge (or Day 15). A PCR assessment of SARS-CoV-2 carriage was performed at screening and on last visit. ArtemiC improved NEWS2 in 91% of patients and shortened durations of abnormal SpO₂ levels, oxygen supplementation and fever. No treatment-related adverse events were reported. These findings suggest that ArtemiC curbed deterioration, possibly by limiting cytokine storm of COVID-19, thus bearing great promise for COVID-19 patients, particularly those with comorbidities.

Keywords: ArtemiC; COVID-19; Vitamin C; artemisinin; curcumin.

FIGURE 1

Clinical measures in ArtemiC‐ versus placebo‐treated COVID‐19 patients over time. Treatment of ArtemiC resulted in significantly lower NEWS2 score compared to placebo, as early as Day 3, and difference was consistent up to the end of the study (p = 0.042) (A). Treatment with ArtemiC did not affect SpO₂ saturation (B), blood pressure (C) or heart rate (D)