Mitigation of COVID-19 through cardiovascular pharmacotherapy (Mr Tran Tran)

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is associated with cardiovascular complications at all stages of COVID-19 (pre-infection, acute phase and subsequent long-COVID phase). Epidemiologic studies suggest hypertension increases the risk of COVID-19 complications (directly and indirectly). Influenza and Ebola virus transmission studies suggest statins may have a protective role. COVID-19 is highly likely to remain a significant public health problem because of viral mutations and waning vaccine immunity requiring repeat vaccinations. Given the scale of this pandemic, there is an urgent need for additional preventive measures against infection and disease progression. In this MBPhD project, we have obtained access to national data (UK and USA) along with an international group of collaborators/supervisors to determine if cardiovascular pharmacotherapy can be an effective adjunct to vaccination in reducing clinically significant COVID-19. Confirmation of our hypothesis will instigate rapid clinical trials through the UK COVID-19 Therapeutics Advisory Panel (UK-CTAP). The MBPhD candidate, Tran QB Tran, BSc MSc is a 3rd year MBChB student in the University of Glasgow and has advanced machine learning skills. Based on this environment, and relevant expertise in the supervisor team, Tran is ideally placed to deliver this research and gain expertise in cardiovascular pharmacoepidemiology.