Tocilizumab Might Attenuate the “Cytokine Storm” in COVID-19 Patients

Oxygen saturation levels stabilized in 21 patients who received this drug in an uncontrolled trial.

Excessive immune response to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus has been incriminated in the respiratory distress and multiorgan failure that is seen in some patients — the so-called “cytokine storm.” Previous studies of the cytokine storm associated with other coronavirus and influenza virus infections, and with CAR (chimeric antigen receptor)-T cell therapy, have shown high levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and other cytokines.

Chinese investigators conducted a retrospective, uncontrolled study of 21 patients (average age, 57) with severe COVID-19 symptoms (as defined by prespecified criteria) who received treatment with the IL-6 blocker tocilizumab (Actemra; approved in the U.S. to treat rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis)…

Reviewing Author

Anthony L. Komaroff, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardSerImmune Inc.; DxTerity

Grant / Research SupportNIH (1U54NS105542-01)

Editorial BoardsHarvard Health Letter; UpToDate

Anthony L. Komaroff, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardSerImmune Inc.; DxTerity

Grant / Research SupportNIH (1U54NS105542-01)

Editorial BoardsHarvard Health Letter; UpToDate

Tocilizumab Might Attenuate the “Cytokine Storm” in COVID-19 Patients

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Reviewing Author