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Updated: Dec 11, 2025
In Silico Clinical Trials for Cardiovascular Disease
Published on: May 27, 2022
Study of ongoing registered clinical trials on COVID-19: a narrative review
Md Insiat Islam Rabby1, Farzad Hossain2
1BSc, Engineer and Master's Student, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seri Kembangan, Selangor, Malaysia.
Background:
The dangerous SARS-CoV-2 virus first emerged in China in December 2019 and has rapidly spread worldwide. Currently, it has affected more than 2,850,000 people. No vaccine or drug is available yet, and therefore researchers and scientists are striving to identify potential drugs or vaccines for combating this virus. We were unable to find any review of the literature or analysis on ongoing registered clinical trials that reported diagnostic tests, therapeutics, vaccines and devices for COVID-19 along with estimated enrollment, participants' ages, study type, start and completion date, status, treatment/intervention and country.
Objective:
To review ongoing trials relating to COVID-19.
Methods:
A systematic search for clinical trials was conducted in the ClinicalTrials.gov database up to April 12, 2020. A total of 339 trials relating to COVID-19 were analyzed and key information on each trial was recorded.
Results:
Most of the trials were being conducted in the United States and completion of most of them was expected by May 2020. They were mostly on drugs and treatment, while a minority were on diagnostic tests. The analysis showed that hydroxychloroquine was investigated in most of the trials. The trials identified were categorized into five classes: a) diagnostic tests; b) therapeutics; c) biologics and vaccines; d) devices and products; and e) others.
Conclusion:
The trials identified have potential against COVID-19 that can be applied in treatment processes after the necessary investigations and experiments. Additionally, the items identified were organized in a proper way, which can assist in current research activities.
Insights
This study reviewed 339 clinical trials for COVID-19 treatments and diagnostics. Most trials focused on drugs, with hydroxychloroquine being frequently investigated, offering potential for future therapies.
Area of Science:
- Medical Research
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in late 2019, rapidly causing a global pandemic with millions affected.
- No specific vaccines or drugs were available, necessitating urgent research into potential treatments and diagnostics.
- A significant gap existed in comprehensive reviews of ongoing clinical trials for COVID-19.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and analyze registered clinical trials related to COVID-19.
- To identify key characteristics of these trials, including interventions, enrollment, and geographical distribution.
Main Methods:
- A systematic search of the ClinicalTrials.gov database was performed up to April 12, 2020.
- 339 COVID-19 related clinical trials were identified and analyzed.
- Data extracted included trial status, interventions, participant demographics, and study design.
Main Results:
- The majority of trials were conducted in the United States, with most expected to conclude by May 2020.
- Trials primarily focused on drugs and treatments, with a smaller proportion investigating diagnostic tests.
- Hydroxychloroquine was the most frequently investigated therapeutic agent across the trials.
Conclusions:
- The analyzed clinical trials represent a crucial effort in developing potential COVID-19 treatments and diagnostics.
- Categorization of trials into diagnostics, therapeutics, vaccines, and devices aids in organizing current research efforts.
- Further investigation and experimentation are necessary to translate these trial findings into effective clinical applications.
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