Using clazakizumab to treat COVID-19 associated hyperinflammation
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on September 16th, 2022
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The degree of interleukin-6 activity is positively correlated to the severity of COVID-19. Thus, interleukin-6 inhibitors can potentially be used to dampen the hyperinflammation. Dr. Bonnie Lonze MD, PhD. and colleagues had recently published the findings of their studies that investigate the effect of clazakizumab on treating COVID-19 pneumonia and hyperinflammation.
The paper drew its data from a phase II & a phase III study of 152 COVID-19 patients with a decline respiratory function and in a hyperinflammatory state. The study population was randomly assigned to either receive intravenous administration of clazakizumab (25 mg) or placebo. The IL-6 inhibitor helps increase the odds of 28-day ventilator-free survival and overall survival at 28 and 60 day post treatment. Clazakizumab reduces the odds of intubation, ICU admission, and reduces the duration of intubation and ICU stay. In terms of safety, there is some concern that the medication can increase the odds of secondary infection. However, those in the treatment group experienced adverse events at a similar frequency to those in the placebo.
With such a promising result in effectiveness and safety, clazakizumab can potentially be used in treating patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection and hyper inflammation. Healthcare professionals should be aware of ongoing research on how cytokine agonists can be used to treat infection with morbidity mostly due to systemic inflammation.
The paper drew its data from a phase II & a phase III study of 152 COVID-19 patients with a decline respiratory function and in a hyperinflammatory state. The study population was randomly assigned to either receive intravenous administration of clazakizumab (25 mg) or placebo. The IL-6 inhibitor helps increase the odds of 28-day ventilator-free survival and overall survival at 28 and 60 day post treatment. Clazakizumab reduces the odds of intubation, ICU admission, and reduces the duration of intubation and ICU stay. In terms of safety, there is some concern that the medication can increase the odds of secondary infection. However, those in the treatment group experienced adverse events at a similar frequency to those in the placebo.
With such a promising result in effectiveness and safety, clazakizumab can potentially be used in treating patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection and hyper inflammation. Healthcare professionals should be aware of ongoing research on how cytokine agonists can be used to treat infection with morbidity mostly due to systemic inflammation.