As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, researchers are studying ways to improve the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
In a recent clinical trial researchers investigated the effect of a two-week interruption in methotrexate treatment on the COVID-19 booster vaccine immunity in adults with inflammatory diseases.
Covid-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by a pathogen known as the coronavirus. It has affected millions of people worldwide, especially the elderly, weak, and diseased individuals. Several vaccines have been developed to protect the public from contracting this disease however; many drugs negatively affect the immunity provided by these vaccines.
Methotrexate is a commonly used medication for the treatment of inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease. However, it is known to suppress the immune system, which may affect the response to the COVID-19 vaccine.
A clinical trial was conducted to understand the effect of stopping methotrexate on the immunity provided by covid-19 vaccine boosters.
The study, called the VROOM study, was published in the Lancet Respiratory Medicine journal. It involved 254 participants who were taking at least 25 mg per week of methotrexate treatment for inflammatory disease. These participants were divided into two groups. One group was assigned to continue taking methotrexate while the other group was instructed to interrupt their treatment for two weeks after receiving a COVID-19 booster vaccine. 4 weeks later, blood tests were carried out to measure the covid-19 antibody levels.