RAMIC: Design of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of ramipril in patients with COVID-19

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Retrospective studies have shown that angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are associated with a reduced risk of complications and mortality in persons with novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Thus, we aimed to examine the efficacy of ramipril, an ACE-inhibitor, in preventing ICU admission, mechanical ventilation and/or mortality while also minimizing the risk of transmission and use of personal protective equipment (PPE). METHODS: RAMIC is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, allocation-concealed, placebo-controlled trial comparing the efficacy of treatment with ramipril 2.5 mg orally daily compared to placebo for 14 days. The study population includes adult patients with COVID-19 who were admitted to a hospital or assessed in an emergency department or ambulatory clinic. Key exclusion criteria include ICU admission or need for mechanical ventilation at screening, use of an ACE inhibitor or angiotensin-receptor-II blocker within 7 days, glomerular filtration rate < 40 mL/min or a systolic blood pressure (BP) < 100 mmHg or diastolic BP < 65 mmHg. Patients are randomized 2:1 to receive ramipril (2.5 mg) or placebo daily. Informed consent and study visits occur virtually to minimize the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and preserve PPE. The primary composite endpoint of ICU admission, invasive mechanical ventilation and death are adjudicated virtually. CONCLUSIONS: RAMIC is designed to assess the efficacy of treatment with ramipril for 14 days to decrease ICU admission, mechanical ventilator use and mortality in patients with COVID-19 and leverages virtual study visits and endpoint adjudication to mitigate risk of infection and to preserve PPE (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04366050).