A clinical trial of a potential COVID-19 treatment has begun at Vidant Medical Center, led by East Carolina University Infectious disease specialist Dr. Paul Cook. The drug is intended to prevent and alleviate a condition responsible for lung-related complications in COVID-19 patients, known as Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome or ARDS. The trial will test whether an antibody, identified by researchers, effectively combats the leaky lung cells associated with ARDS. If successful, the treatment may significantly decrease the need for ventilators and rate of mortality among COVID-19 patients. Researchers are currently enrolling patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 symptoms, and will continue throughout June and early July.