Canadian researchers launched a study today into the use of a powerful anti-inflammatory drug to reduce the risks of pulmonary complications and death related to the Novel Corona virus. Several COVID-19 patients have had severe complications from a surge of activated immune cells in the lungs — known as a cytokine storm. In a cytokine storm, the immune system overreacts and damages lung tissue, leading to acute respiratory distress and multi-organ failure.<br />''<br />'' A team led by Director of the Montreal Heart Institute Research Centre and Professor of Medicine Jean-Claude Tardif at the University of Montreal is hoping the drug colchicine will work to moderate the overproduction of immune cells and their activating compounds — called cytokines — in COVID-19 patients.<br />'' <br />'' If it proves to be successful, the drug — which is already used to treat gout and pericarditis, the inflammation of the heart membrane and is readily available and inexpensive — could become a key tool in the pandemic fight. Prof. Tardiff told public broadcaster Radio-Canada that he hopes to know if it works within three months. He said, he became interested in its possible application as a COVID-19 fighter when it became clear that most children were resistant to the illness. Children typically have reduced inflammatory responses to colds and flus, compared to adults.<br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"><br />'' In laboratory tests, animals whose inflammatory responses were blocked also lived longer when exposed to influenza.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"><br />'' According to a heart institute statement, the researchers are looking to recruit 6,000 Canadians with the Corona virus, for a clinical trial. There were 1,430 cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Canada as of 2200 GMT on Sunday, including 20 deaths.</span><br />''  <br />