Could a common blood thinner help ventilated COVID-19 patients breathe easier?

NCT ID NCT04545541

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Australian National University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looked at whether giving nebulised heparin (a blood thinner delivered as a mist) to COVID-19 patients on mechanical ventilation could help them get off the breathing machine sooner and reduce deaths. The trial combined data from several smaller studies in Australia, Ireland, the US, and the UK, involving 57 adults in intensive care. Patients received either heparin or standard care/placebo for up to 10 days while on a ventilator.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: nebulised heparin (a blood thinner given as a mist into the lungs)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a simple, low-cost treatment to help COVID-19 patients on ventilators recover faster and need less breathing support.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage analysis of several trials, so results may not be definitive. Heparin can increase bleeding risk, especially in critically ill patients.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

COVID-19 respiratory failure

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

COVID19 RESPIRATORY FAILURE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Frederick Health Hospital

Frederick, Maryland, 21701, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.