PRNewswire recently carried BERG’s announcement of the results of its COVID-19 clinical study. BERG, a biotech company based in Framingham, Mass., utilizes artificial intelligence in its research of diseases and the development of its innovative treatments.
BERG’s study was conducted with the cooperation of scientists from the Commonwealth University of Virginia and Oxford. The study gives biological insights into an increased number of COVID-19 cases within the African American communities.
An Elsevier Public Health Report found that in Illinois 26% of confirmed COVID-19 cases were African Americans. 43% of COVID-19 deaths in Illinois, however, were in the African American communities. Across the United States, the rate among black counties is at least six-fold higher than white counties.
The study also found a genetic aberration associated with kidney and lung dysfunction that could possibly account for the high incidents and fatalities in black communities.
The study investigates using existing ACE inhibitors and ARBS to control severe clinical symptoms. ACE inhibitors are often used to lower blood pressure. Although ARBS are somewhat similar, they may be used when a person cannot tolerate the ACE drugs.
About the Study Results
The results of the study give strong indications that ACE inhibitors and ARBs should be considered as treatments that may mitigate the severe complications caused by COVID-19.
The study generated a significant amount of genetic, clinical, and scientific data indicating that using ACE-1 and ARBs when treating COVID-19 infections would improve the condition of these patients.
A BERG company spokesperson said that although other companies are developing new vaccines for the virus, BERG understands the need to repurpose existing therapeutics geared towards vulnerable populations.
Therefore, since ACE inhibitors and ARBs are now being used in the treatment of heart failure and high blood pressure, they may possibly be options to combat severe infections where they are urgently needed.
About BERG
BERG’s CEO, Dr. Niven Narain, stated that BERG has formed partnerships with academic institutions and the United States government to find solutions to the disparities in vulnerable populations. The companies are looking at repurposing possibilities to manage virus complications.
