Efficacy of Nafamostat in Covid-19 Patients (RACONA Study)

Purpose: SARS-Cov-2 enters the lung cells by binding to ACE-2 and activating the protease TMPRSS2, which, therefore, can be a target for antiviral treatment. Accordingly, TMPRSS2 inhibitors prevent SARS-CoV cell entry in vitro. The most potent such inhibitors, nafamostat is being used as anticoagulant and anti-pancreatitis agent, and is approved for the treatment of cystic fibrosis as its mucolytic action can prevent lung function deterioration by owering airways infections. RACONA study will test the hypothesize that nafamostat is useful in COVID-19 lung involvement because COVID-19 entails activation of the coagulation cascade, pulmonary embolism, and bacterial superinfections.