North East company recruited to support ‘Coronavit’ clinical trial

A North East company has been recruited to support a clinical trial on the effects of vitamin D supplementation on the immune system and protecting against COVID-19.

Morpeth-based Pharma Nord UK’s Bio-Vitamin D3 supplements will be taken by more than 5000 people for a period of six months as part of the Queen Mary University of London ‘Coronavit’ study.

Scientists hope that the trial will help discover if correcting people’s vitamin D deficiencies over winter can reduce the risk or severity of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections.

Pharma Nord’s supplements have long been used in clinical trials and its Bio-Vitamin D3 has been proven to raise vitamin D levels in the blood.

Bent Henriksen, Pharma Nord UK managing director, said: “To be chosen for one of the most important and high profile clinical trials in recent years is a real accolade for Pharma Nord and the North East and a hugely valuable seal of approval for the quality, safety and bioavailability of our Bio-Vitamin D3.

“The scientists at Queen Mary University are doing some amazing work in this field and it will be fascinating to see how the Coronavit study pans out.

“It was vitally important for them to choose a vitamin D supplement with a proven track record in clinical trials and documented evidence of its effectiveness in raising levels of vitamin D in the blood.

“Pharma Nord Bio-Vitamin D3 ticks both boxes in this respect and the fact that it is made to pharmaceutical standards is a further sign of quality which will be crucial when it comes to assessing the results of such a large-scale trial.”

The Coronavit study will last a total of six months and will see participants given supplements of vitamin D in two different strengths. It has received funding from the Fischer Family Trust, Barts Charity and the Aim Foundation.