The Randomised Evaluation of COVID-19 Therapy (RECOVERY) trial is a large, pragmatic randomised trial for the treatment of hospitalised patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. It was designed and implemented at extraordinary speed in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, at a time of great need for effective treatments to reduce mortality among hospitalised patients.
Peter Horby, Professor of Emerging Infectious Diseases in the Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, and Joint Chief Investigator for the RECOVERY trial, said ‘This award is a testament and a tribute to the exceptional work of many thousands of people working under the most difficult circumstances. 2020 was awful in so many ways but the RECOVERY trial was uplifting, showing what can be achieved when there is unity, resolve and a commitment to good science. RECOVERY is a truly national achievement and every person involved should feel incredibly proud. I would encourage them to regularly remind themselves that there are many thousands of people who are only alive today thanks to their efforts.’
Every year since 2008, the Society for Clinical Trials has awarded the David Sackett Trial of the Year Award to a randomised, controlled trial published in the previous calendar year that best fulfills the following standards: improves the lot of humankind; provides the basis for a substantial, beneficial change in health care; reflects expertise in subject matter, excellence in methodology, and concern for study participants; overcomes obstacles in implementation; and based on the presentation of its design, execution, and results is a model of clarity and intellectual soundness.