8 Dec 2012 In light of the recent WHO update on the Novel
Coronavirus [30 Nov 2012], and given the paucity of evidence on
which to base treatment and understand disease pathogenesis,
ISARIC -- a recently formed global clinical research consortium
-- would like to propose a collaborative clinical research
platform. The proposed studies aim to assess prospectively the
pathogenesis of illness and potential therapeutic interventions
for patients infected with the novel coronavirus (nCoV).
Standardized collection of data will facilitate sharing of
information among those caring for such patients. The proposals
from ISARIC would be open and available to any organization
interested in participating. Though the total number of
laboratory confirmed cases to date is low, it is impossible to
know how many cases may occur. In addition the patients may be
admitted in future to multiple hospitals in many different
countries. It is crucial to plan for standardized, prospective
data collection in order to understand how to i