The world has seen how quickly the coronavirus can spread in nursing homes and other senior living facilities. Four Central New York assisted living facilities residents are eligible to participate in a clinical trial to try to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks.

“You hope you never need to see me for a clinical trial," said Lisa Sonneborn, the site director at Clarity Clinical Research. "But if you see me, at least I’m there. Right? At least I’m bringing a potential treatment for something when there’s no other option.”

Clarity Clinical Research is partnering with Loretto for the study.

When a senior citizen is exposed to COVID-19, they begin taking an FDA-approved anti-parasite drug, Nitazoxanide. Their symptoms are monitored for six weeks.

Clinicians hope the medicine prevents patients from contracting the coronavirus altogether.  

“This is something that is an incredible opportunity for our community and for the seniors who are going to participate," said Sonneborn. "Because if it can even do a small portion of what we’re hoping it can do it could mean changing the lives of people today and down the road. So it’s a really big deal.”

Residents of Loretto assisted living facilities are eligible for the study. So far, there have been no cases of COVID-19 in those communities. Loretto Chief Marketing Officer Julie Sheedy says she’s excited to be a part of the solution.

“This is uncharted territory," said Sheedy. "You know, no matter how diligent you are with infection control practices, it’s a tricky virus. So anything we can learn to help us prevent this from spreading and really put an end to this pandemic is really important.”

This study is happening in about 30 places across the country, and Central New York is one of two areas in the state participating.