The University of Oxford scientists that oversaw the UK’s highly successful COVID-19 RECOVERY master protocol trial have kicked off a new high-profile trial, this time to evaluate a potential monkeypox treatment.

The randomized, placebo-controlled trial, dubbed PLATINUM, will test a single antiviral originally developed and approved for smallpox, Tpoxx (tecovirimat), to determine its safety and efficacy in treating monkeypox. As of last week, the trial had already recruited its first participants.

“Although the early data on tecovirimat are promising, only a randomized clinical trial will provide the level of evidence we need to treat patients with confidence,” said trial leader Peter Horby, professor of emerging infections and global health at the University of Oxford and director of the Pandemic Sciences Institute.

Horby shares the chief investigator position with Martin Landray, professor of medicine and epidemiology at Oxford Population Health, as he did during the RECOVERY trial.

The trial, which is funded by a £3.7 million (approximately $4.4 million) award from the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Research, has a target of recruiting at least 500 participants across the UK. Participants will receive either a two-week course of twice daily tecovirimat (600mg) or a matched placebo regimen.