On Aug. 19, 2020, researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center and Texas Health Resources announced that was the first facility in Dallas and the surrounding region to participate in the international COLCORONA trial. This study is evaluating the therapeutic benefit of colchicine as a treatment to prevent complications and death related to severe cases of COVID-19. Recently diagnosed patients or individuals who are showing symptoms and have a household member diagnosed with COVID-19 over the age of 40 and from Dallas and the surrounding areas can enroll in this free, at-home clinical trial.

COLCORONA is evaluating a generic immunomodulator called colchicine, commonly used to treat conditions such as gout, pericarditis, and Familial Mediterranean Fever, to see whether it reduces the complications of COVID-19, including in the respiratory system. The study has been designed to have minimal burden on patients and is one of the few current studies of COVID-19 infection in which nonhospitalized individuals can participate. 

To be eligible for COLCORONA, patients should be nonhospitalized, over the age of 40, and recently diagnosed with COVID-19. Once enrolled, the medicine or placebo is delivered directly to participants’ homes at no cost, and participants will have the support of a dedicated health care team 24/7 for any questions. The study staff will contact patients directly via phone or video visits for follow-up.