Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Phase 2 Interventional Ages 18 and up

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

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

Run by University of South Alabama · NCT04445285 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment44 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of South Alabama
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Mobile, Alabama)
StatusRecruiting
StartedApril 28, 2020
Main results expectedNovember 30, 2021
Study endsFebruary 28, 2022
Registry record updatedMay 28, 2021
Trial IDNCT04445285 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a 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.

Probably 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.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

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

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

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

  • University of South Alabama
    Mobile, Alabama, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.