Pandemic trials: evidence-based medicine on steroids

Research is the only exit strategy from current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) restrictions. The second wave of COVID-19 infections currently affecting most of Europe emphasises that COVID-19, the disease caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is likely to require strict control measures impacting on the daily life of most citizens until either a highly effective approach to treatment or effective vaccines are in widespread use [1–3]. Small trials have been largely overlooked in the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic in favour of “mega-trials”. As new therapies are urgently needed, phase 2 “proof of concept” studies are crucial as we move into a new phase of pandemic research. https://bit.ly/3o0K9kl