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Kumar S, Çalışkan DM, Janowski J, Faist A, Conrad BCG, Lange J, Ludwig S, Brunotte L. Beyond Vaccines: Clinical Status of Prospective COVID-19 Therapeutics. Front Immunol 2021; 12:752227. [PMID: 34659259 PMCID: PMC8519339 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.752227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Since November 2019 the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has caused nearly 200 million infection and more than 4 million deaths globally (Updated information from the World Health Organization, as on 2nd Aug 2021). Within only one year into the pandemic, several vaccines were designed and reached approval for the immunization of the world population. The remarkable protective effects of the manufactured vaccines are demonstrated in countries with high vaccination rates, such as Israel and UK. However, limited production capacities, poor distribution infrastructures and political hesitations still hamper the availability of vaccines in many countries. In addition, due to the emergency of SARS-CoV-2 variants with immune escape properties towards the vaccines the global numbers of new infections as well as patients developing severe COVID-19, remains high. New studies reported that about 8% of infected individuals develop long term symptoms with strong personal restrictions on private as well as professional level, which contributes to the long socioeconomic problems caused by this pandemic. Until today, emergency use-approved treatment options for COVID-19 are limited to the antiviral Remdesivir, a nucleoside analogue targeting the viral polymerase, the glucocorticosteroide Dexamethasone as well as neutralizing antibodies. The therapeutic benefits of these treatments are under ongoing debate and clinical studies assessing the efficiency of these treatments are still underway. To identify new therapeutic treatments for COVID-19, now and by the post-pandemic era, diverse experimental approaches are under scientific evaluation in companies and scientific research teams all over the world. To accelerate clinical translation of promising candidates, repurposing approaches of known approved drugs are specifically fostered but also novel technologies are being developed and are under investigation. This review summarizes the recent developments from the lab bench as well as the clinical status of emerging therapeutic candidates and discusses possible therapeutic entry points for the treatment strategies with regard to the biology of SARS-CoV-2 and the clinical course of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriram Kumar
- Institute of Virology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- EvoPAD Research Training Group 2220, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Duygu Merve Çalışkan
- Institute of Virology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- EvoPAD Research Training Group 2220, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Josua Janowski
- Institute of Virology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- SP BioSciences Graduate Program, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Aileen Faist
- Institute of Virology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- CiM-IMPRS Graduate Program, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Julius Lange
- Institute of Virology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Stephan Ludwig
- Institute of Virology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- EvoPAD Research Training Group 2220, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- CiM-IMPRS Graduate Program, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Medical Research, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Linda Brunotte
- Institute of Virology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Medical Research, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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Moreira TG, Matos KTF, De Paula GS, Santana TMM, Da Mata RG, Pansera FC, Cortina AS, Spinola MG, Keppeke GD, Jacob J, Palejwala V, Chen K, Izzy S, Healey BC, Rezende RM, Dedivitis RA, Shailubhai K, Weiner HL. Nasal Administration of Anti-CD3 Monoclonal Antibody (Foralumab) Reduces Lung Inflammation and Blood Inflammatory Biomarkers in Mild to Moderate COVID-19 Patients: A Pilot Study. Front Immunol 2021; 12:709861. [PMID: 34475873 PMCID: PMC8406802 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.709861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Immune hyperactivity is an important contributing factor to the morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 infection. Nasal administration of anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody downregulates hyperactive immune responses in animal models of autoimmunity through its immunomodulatory properties. We performed a randomized pilot study of fully-human nasal anti-CD3 (Foralumab) in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 to determine if its immunomodulatory properties had ameliorating effects on disease. Methods Thirty-nine outpatients with mild to moderate COVID-19 were recruited at Santa Casa de Misericordia de Santos in Sao Paulo State, Brazil. Patients were randomized to three cohorts: 1) Control, no Foralumab (n=16); 2) Nasal Foralumab (100ug/day) given for 10 consecutive days with 6 mg dexamethasone given on days 1-3 (n=11); and 3) Nasal Foralumab alone (100ug/day) given for 10 consecutive days (n=12). Patients continued standard of care medication. Results We observed reduction of serum IL-6 and C-reactive protein in Foralumab alone vs. untreated or Foralumab/Dexa treated patients. More rapid clearance of lung infiltrates as measured by chest CT was observed in Foralumab and Foralumab/Dexa treated subjects vs. those that did not receive Foralumab. Foralumab treatment was well-tolerated with no severe adverse events. Conclusions This pilot study suggests that nasal Foralumab is well tolerated and may be of benefit in treatment of immune hyperactivity and lung involvement in COVID-19 disease and that further studies are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thais G Moreira
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kimble T F Matos
- Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Marcelle G Spinola
- Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gerson D Keppeke
- Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jules Jacob
- Tiziana LifeScience, Doylestown, PA, United States
| | | | - Karen Chen
- Department of Radiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Saef Izzy
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Brian C Healey
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Rafael M Rezende
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | | | - Howard L Weiner
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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Khan FA, Stewart I, Fabbri L, Moss S, Robinson K, Smyth AR, Jenkins G. Systematic review and meta-analysis of anakinra, sarilumab, siltuximab and tocilizumab for COVID-19. Thorax 2021; 76:907-919. [PMID: 33579777 PMCID: PMC7886668 DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2020-215266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is accumulating evidence for an overly activated immune response in severe COVID-19, with several studies exploring the therapeutic role of immunomodulation. Through systematic review and meta-analysis, we assess the effectiveness of specific interleukin inhibitors for the treatment of COVID-19. METHODS Electronic databases were searched on 7 January 2021 to identify studies of immunomodulatory agents (anakinra, sarilumab, siltuximab and tocilizumab) for the treatment of COVID-19. The primary outcomes were severity on an Ordinal Scale measured at day 15 from intervention and days to hospital discharge. Key secondary endpoints included overall mortality. RESULTS 71 studies totalling 22 058 patients were included, 6 were randomised trials. Most studies explored outcomes in patients who received tocilizumab (60/71). In prospective studies, tocilizumab was associated with improved unadjusted survival (risk ratio 0.83, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.96, I2=0.0%), but conclusive benefit was not demonstrated for other outcomes. In retrospective studies, tocilizumab was associated with less severe outcomes on an Ordinal Scale (generalised OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.64, I2=98%) and adjusted mortality risk (HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.66, I2=76.6%). The mean difference in duration of hospitalisation was 0.36 days (95% CI -0.07 to 0.80, I2=93.8%). There was substantial heterogeneity in retrospective studies, and estimates should be interpreted cautiously. Other immunomodulatory agents showed similar effects to tocilizumab, but insufficient data precluded meta-analysis by agent. CONCLUSION Tocilizumab was associated with a lower relative risk of mortality in prospective studies, but effects were inconclusive for other outcomes. Current evidence for the efficacy of anakinra, siltuximab or sarilumab in COVID-19 is insufficient, with further studies urgently needed for conclusive findings. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42020176375.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fasihul A Khan
- Respiratory Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Iain Stewart
- Respiratory Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Laura Fabbri
- Respiratory Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Samuel Moss
- Respiratory Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Alan Robert Smyth
- Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Gisli Jenkins
- Respiratory Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Jiang W, Li W, Wu Q, Han Y, Zhang J, Luo T, Guo Y, Yang Y, Zhu P, Xia X. Efficacy and Safety of Tocilizumab Treatment COVID-19 Patients: A Case-Control Study and Meta-Analysis. Infect Dis Ther 2021; 10:1677-1698. [PMID: 34244956 PMCID: PMC8269405 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-021-00483-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As the pandemic progresses, the pathophysiology of COVID-19 is becoming more apparent, and the potential for tocilizumab is increasing. However, the clinical efficacy and safety of tocilizumab in the treatment of COVID-19 patients remain unclear. METHODS To assess the efficacy and safety of tocilizumab treatment in COVID-19 patients, we performed a retrospective case-control study. The study was conducted, including 95 patients treated with tocilizumab plus standard treatment and matched controls with 95 patients treated with standard treatment therapy by propensity score from February to April 2020. We searched some databases using the search terms for studies published from January 1, 2020, to June 1, 2021. RESULTS Our case-control study found a lower mortality rate in the tocilizumab treatment group than in the standard treatment group (9.47% versus 16.84%, P = 0.134), but the results were not statistically significant. We also found that the mortality rate in tocilizumab treatment groups was significantly lower than in the standard treatment group in the stratified ICU analysis (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.44-0.61, P = 0.048 and OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.10-0.99, P = 0.044). We selected 49 studies (including 6568 cases and 11,660 controls) that met the inclusion criteria in the meta-analysis. In the overall analysis, we performed a meta-analysis that showed significantly decreased mortality after patients received tocilizumab (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.69-0.95, P = 0.008). We also revealed significant associations within some subgroups. The sequential trial analysis showed a true-positive result. No significant associations were observed between tocilizumab and elevated secondary infection risk, discharge, adverse events, and mechanical ventilation in the overall analysis. CONCLUSION Tocilizumab significantly decreased mortality in COVID-19 patients with no increased discharge, secondary infection risk, adverse events, and mechanical ventilation in a meta-analysis. Our data suggest that clinicians should pay attention to tocilizumab therapy as an effective and safe treatment for COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijun Jiang
- COVID-19 Research Center, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weiwei Li
- COVID-19 Research Center, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qiuyue Wu
- COVID-19 Research Center, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ying Han
- COVID-19 Research Center, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- COVID-19 Research Center, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tao Luo
- COVID-19 Research Center, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanju Guo
- COVID-19 Research Center, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yang Yang
- COVID-19 Research Center, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Peiran Zhu
- COVID-19 Research Center, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinyi Xia
- COVID-19 Research Center, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, China.
- Joint Expert Group for COVID-19, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Blood Transfusion, Wuhan Huoshenshan Hospital, Wuhan, 430100, Hubei, China.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Blood Transfusion, Wuhan Huoshenshan Hospital, Wuhan, 430100, Hubei, China.
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