An Open Label Study in Adults to Test the Efficacy of Mitoquinone/Mitoquinol Mesylate to Prevent Severe Viral Illness

Overview of study design Open label clinical trial of persons (adults) that will determine the safety and efficacy of the diet supplement oral mitoquinone/mitoquinol mesylate (Mito-MES) to prevent the development and progression of severe viral infections like COVID-19 after high-risk exposure to a person with possible respiratory viral infection such as SARS-CoV-2 infection in persons who will receive Mito-MES compared to persons who will not receive Mito-MES (controls). A study participant will have the option to enroll either in the treatment arm or the control arm (no intervention but will complete relevant questionnaires and study procedures). Efficacy: To determine the efficacy of the treatment with mito-MES 20 mg daily for up to 14 days compared to no treatment with mito-MES to prevent development of severe clinical symptoms of any viral infection in high-risk close household contacts of cases with viral infection. Viral infection will be defined clinically based on history obtained by the investigator who is an infectious diseases physician and stringent criteria will be followed. Viral infection will be defined as presence of at least two new onset independent symptoms or signs (fever) of respiratory disease that cannot be attributed to bacterial cause (for example the combination of runny nose and sore throat is very characteristic of a viral illness). The combination of fever and cough is not specific enough presentation since it can be attributed also to bacterial bronchitis or pneumonia. A study participant with chronic allergies or chronic sinusitis or asthma will not be included in the study.