Using rhDNase to reduce mortality in COVID-19 patients with respiratory failure

Double Blind Randomized Phase 2 Placebo Controlled Trial Using rhDNase to Reduce Mortality in COVID-19 Patients With Respiratory Failure

PHASE2 · University of South Alabama · NCT04445285

This study is testing if a new inhaled treatment called rhDNase can help reduce the risk of death in adults with severe COVID-19 who need extra oxygen or a ventilator.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment44 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of South Alabama (other)
Locations1 site (Mobile, Alabama)
Trial IDNCT04445285 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This Phase 2 randomized placebo-controlled trial aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of nebulized Dornase Alpha (rhDNase) in reducing 28-day mortality among COVID-19 patients experiencing respiratory failure. Participants will include adults requiring high-flow oxygen or mechanical ventilation, and they will be randomly assigned to receive either the treatment or a placebo. The study will assess the impact of rhDNase on patient outcomes over a specified period.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a clinical diagnosis of COVID-19 and requiring high-flow oxygen or mechanical ventilation.

Not a fit: Patients with known allergies to Pulmozyme or those in grave condition with anticipated death within 48 hours may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly lower mortality rates in critically ill COVID-19 patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored treatments for COVID-19, but the specific use of rhDNase in this context is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male or Female age 18 or older
2. On high flow oxygen =/\> 6 liters nasal cannula (or)
3. On mechanical ventilation
4. Clinical diagnosis of COVID-19 \& positive PCR test (or)
5. Clinical diagnosis of COVID-19 \& negative PCR test with clinical symptoms of COVID-19 and pathognomonic lesions on a chest CT scan

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Known allergy to Pulmozyme
2. Less than 18 years of age
3. Grave condition with anticipated death within 48 hours; at the discretion of treating physician.
4. Enrollment in another clinical trial receiving investigatory drugs

Where this trial is running

Mobile, Alabama

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Covid19, Covid-19, Coronavirus

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.