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The monocarboxypeptidase angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a major player in the the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) as it converts the decapeptide angiotensin (Ang) I to Ang-(1–9) and Ang II to Ang-(1–7) (figure 1a) [1]. ACE2 is also a target for the new human coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which is responsible for the dramatic ongoing COVID-19 pandemic [2]. It has been suggested that following SARS-CoV-2/ACE2 internalisation, Ang II level increases [3] in parallel to a decrease of Ang-(1–7) level [4]. These changes would be expected both at tissue and circulatory levels. Considering that Ang-(1–7) has many beneficial effects, including anti-inflammatory, antithrombogenic and antifibrotic activities [1], it has been hypothesised that Ang-(1–7) administration would improve the clinical outcome of COVID-19 patients. Aiming to test this hypothesis, a phase I/II clinical trial (www.clinicaltrials.gov identifier …