Rho is coordinating a new study called Human Epidemiology and Response to SARS-CoV-2 (HEROS), which will help determine the rate of novel coronavirus infection in children and their family members in the United States. The study aims to enroll 6,000 people from 2,000 U.S. families currently participating in NIH-funded pediatric research studies in 11 cities.

The HEROS study is breaking new ground in conducting virtual trials by allowing subjects to complete the study almost entirely from home, including the self-collection of nasal swab, blood, and stool samples.

HEROS is sponsored and funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, and Rho is participating under a supplement to its Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Transplantation Statistical and Clinical Coordinating Center (DAIT SACCC) award.

The study has begun enrollment, and within 1 month, Rho has already completed training for all Rho staff, finalized training materials for families taking samples at home, successfully secured masks and other needed supplies, which were in high demand, and handled logistics to have supplies.

Rho’s team, led by Dr. Sam Arbes, is working closely with DAIT, Vanderbilt, and other investigators to plan and execute the study design and is providing operational management and oversight for all aspects of the study, including logistical support for biospecimen collection; collaboration with Vanderbilt to plan, implement, and monitor study data collection; timely reporting of safety events; and study data analysis and reporting.

The HEROS study in the news, including The Today Show:

Several interviews about the HEROS study have been conducted, including The Today Show:

• https://www.wpr.org/hundreds-wisconsin-families-be-part-study-looking-kids-role-coronavirus-pandemic
• https://www.today.com/video/new-coronavirus-study-will-look-at-impact-of-infection-on-kids-83033157771