In a small phase 3 trial, sabizabulin (a microtubule disrupting agent) was associated with markedly reduced mortality — but the death rate in the placebo group was unexpectedly high.
Severe COVID-19 is thought to be driven by excess inflammation. Sabizabulin is an investigational drug that, like colchicine, binds to microtubules and disrupts polymerization. Sabizabulin is being evaluated for the treatment of cancer and, because of its purported antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects, COVID-19. Now, investigators report interim results of a manufacturer-sponsored phase 3 clinical trial of sabizabulin in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.
A total of 204 patients were randomly assigned 2:1 to receive sabizabulin or placebo. Among all participants at baseline, 60% required non-invasive ventilation or high-flow oxygen, 33% required conventional oxygen, and 7% received mechanical ventilation. Other treatments included dexam…
Reviewing Author
DisclosuresGrant/Research SupportNIH
Editorial BoardsUpToDate; ID Images (idimages.org); Infectious Diseases Society of America COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines; International Antiviral Society–USA (Guidelines Committee)
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesHIV Medicine Association; Infectious Diseases Society of America (Board of Directors)
DisclosuresGrant/Research SupportNIH
Editorial BoardsUpToDate; ID Images (idimages.org); Infectious Diseases Society of America COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines; International Antiviral Society–USA (Guidelines Committee)
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesHIV Medicine Association; Infectious Diseases Society of America (Board of Directors)