April 28. The first clinical trial for patients with the coronavirus has opened at Atrium Health. The international trial for an experimental drug called selinexor is being coordinated locally by Levine Cancer Institute’s Clinical Trials Division. It was launched in less two weeks—an amazing feat according to Atrium officials.

The placebo-controlled trial of 75 patients will take place at up to 10 Atrium Health centers.

“We know the fast pace in which everything is moving right now, and we appreciate the tremendous level of collaboration this entailed,” said Phil Butera, Assistant Vice President, Clinical Trials, at Levine Cancer Institute. “We worked tirelessly to make this happen so we can bring a hopeful opportunity to patients who are in need of treatment options, as so much is not known about this virus.”

Dr. Zainab Shahid, of Levine Cancer Institute, is serving as principal investigator.

“The study drug appears to offer a promising treatment option; we are excited to offer this trial to our patients,” he said.