Insufficient rate of patient accrual and newly available scientific evidence

There is emerging evidence that patients with SARS-CoV-2 are affected by increased coagulopathy, including in the most advanced forms, a fully blown disseminated intravascular coagulation, leading to multi organ failure (MOF). Post-Morten observations from patients who died because of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Bergamo, Italy and other places have revealed the presence of diffuse venous, arterial and microcirculatorythrombosis, not only restricted to the lung but also involving the kidneys, heart and gut.

Thrombin plays a central role in mediating clot forming as well as in mediating inflammation. A direct factor X inhibitor, namely edoxaban can act as prophylactic measure to mitigate the risk of venous and arterial thrombotic complications.

Colchicine is an inexpensive (generic drug), orally administered, and a potent anti-inflammatory medication. It might accelerate SARS-CoV-2 clearance.

The aim of the CONVINCE study is therefore to assess the safety and efficacy of edoxaban and/or colchicine administration in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients who are managed outside the hospital with respect to the occurrence of fatalities, hospitalisation, major vascular thrombotic events or the SARS-CoV-2 clearance rate under RT PCR.

Inclusion Criteria:

Patients with laboratory confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection (under RT PCR) who are managed at home or in another out-of-hospital setting.

Exclusion Criteria:

Hepatic disease associated with coagulopathy and clinically relevant bleeding risk, including Child-Pugh C cirrhosis with portal hypertension.

• Lesion or condition, if considered to be a significant risk for major bleeding. This may include current or recent gastrointestinal ulceration, presence of malignant neoplasms at high risk of bleeding, recent brain or spinal injury, recent brain, spinal or ophthalmic surgery, recent intracranial haemorrhage, known or suspected oesophageal varices, arteriovenous malformations, vascular aneurysms or major intraspinal or intracerebral vascular abnormalities.
• Uncontrolled severe hypertension.
• Ongoing or planned treatment with parenteral or oral anticoagulants
• Unilateral or bilateral above knee lower extremity amputation.
• Inability to take oral medication or otherwise unable or unwilling to undergo/perform study-specified procedures
• Have received or will receive an experimental drug or used an experimental medical device within 30 days before the planned start of treatment
• Pregnancy or breast-feeding or any plan to become pregnant during the study. Women (and men, for Colchicine group only) with child-bearing potential not using adequate birth control method (note: as adequate method of birth control oral contraception is recommended. If oral contraception is not feasible, both partners should use adequate barrier birth control).
• Need for dual anti-platelet therapy consisting of aspirin and an oral P2Y12 inhibitor
• Inflammatory bowel disease or chronic diarrhea or neuromuscular disease
• Creatinine clearance (CrCl) <15 ml/min
• Anticipated use of Hydroxychloroquine
• Participation in any other clinical trial
• Inability to understand the requirements of the study and to provide informed consent