Tofacitinib Associated with Reduced Intubation Rates in the Management of Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Preliminary Experience

Tofacitinib in Patients Hospitalized With Moderate and Severe COVID-19: Not Just Another Kinase Inhibitor

Background There has been an intense search for pharmacological agents that can complement corticosteroid therapy in the treatment of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The Janus kinase inhibitor tofacitinib has shown promise in this regard. This study aimed to determine the impact of adding tofacitinib to standard care on the mortality and total duration of hospital stay in severe COVID-19. Methodology This retrospective study compared the mortality and total duration of hospital stay among patients admitted with severe COVID-19 to a designated COVID-19 hospital in south India who had received tofacitinib in addition to standard care versus standard care alone. Medical case records of severe COVID-19 patients were retrieved and screened for inclusion. Categorical variables such as mortality were expressed as proportions and compared using the chi-square test, while continuous variables such as total duration of hospital stay were compared via the independent t-test. The odds ratio (OR) was calculated for the mortality difference between the two groups. P-values ≤0.05 were considered significant. Results Following the initial screening of 250 medical records, 186 patients were included in the final analysis, of whom 103 had received tofacitinib and 83 had received standard care. There was no significant difference in mortality between the two groups (OR = 1.58 (95% confidence interval = 0.71 to 3.51); p = 0.26). The total duration of hospital stay was significantly longer among those in the tofacitinib group (17.14 ± 8.85 days vs. 14.04 ± 5.48 days; p = 0.01). Conclusions Tofacitinib did not improve the clinical outcomes when used to supplement corticosteroids in the treatment of severe COVID-19.

Association of Interferon Lambda 3 and 4 Gene SNPs and Their Expression with COVID-19 Disease Severity: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction

Expression and certain SNPs of interferon lambda 3 and 4 (IFNL3 and 4) have been associated with variable outcomes in COVID-19 patients in different regions, suggesting population-specific differences in the disease outcome. This study examined the association of INFL3 and INFL4 SNPs (rs12979860 and rs368234815, respectively) and nasopharyngeal expression with COVID-19 disease severity in Pakistani patients.

Methods

For this study, 117 retrospectively collected nasopharyngeal swab samples were used from individuals with mild and severe COVID-19 disease. qPCR assays were used to determine the viral loads and mRNA expression of IFNL3 and 4 through the Ct and delta Ct methods, respectively. Due to funding limitations, only one SNP each in INFL3 and INFL4 (found to be most significant through literature search) was analyzed using tetra-arm PCR and RFLP-PCR strategies, respectively. The Mann-Whitney U-test was applied to evaluate the statistical differences in the expression of IFNL3/4 genes in the mild and severe groups, while for SNPs, a Chi-square test was employed. A multivariate Cox regression test was performed to assess the relationship of different variables with COVID-19 severity.

Results

Comparative analysis of SNPs between mild and severe groups showed only the difference in SNP of the IFNL4 gene to be statistically significant (p = 0.001). Similarly, nasopharyngeal expression of IFNL3 and IFNL4 genes, respectively, was found to be 3.48-fold less and 3.48-fold higher in the severe group as compared to the mild group. Multivariate analysis revealed SNP in the IFNL4 gene and age to have a significant association with COVID-19 severity.

Conclusion

Despite the small sample size, IFNL4 gene SNP and patient age were associated with COVID-19 severity. Age, IFNL3/IFNL4 mRNA expression in the nasopharyngeal milieu, and the presence of SNP in the IFNL4 (rs368234815) gene in COVID-19 patients may be biomarkers for infection severity and help improve SARS-CoV-2 infection management.

A narrative review on tofacitinib: The properties, function, and usefulness to treat coronavirus disease 2019

In coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the formation of cytokine storm may have a role in worsening of the disease. By attaching the cytokines like interleukin-6 to the cytokine receptors on a cell surface, Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) pathway will be activated in the cytoplasm lead to hyperinflammatory conditions and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Inhibition of JAK/STAT pathway may be useful to prevent the formation of cytokine storm. Tofacitinib is a pan inhibitor of JAKs. In this review, the main characteristics of tofacitinib and its usefulness against COVID-19 pneumonia were reviewed. Tofacitinib may be a hopeful therapeutic candidate against COVID-19 respiratory injury since it inhibits a range of inflammatory pathways. Hence, the agent may be considered a potential therapeutic against the post-COVID-19 respiratory damage. Compared to other JAK inhibitors (JAKi), the administration of tofacitinib in COVID-19 patients may be safer and more effective. Other JAKi such as baricitinib are related to severe adverse events such as thrombotic events compared to more common side effects of tofacitinib.

Investigating the risk of deep vein thrombosis with JAK inhibitors: a disproportionality analysis using FDA Adverse Event Reporting System Database (FAERS)

BACKGROUND

Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are immune-modulating medications used to treat conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, COVID-19, ulcerative colitis, atopic dermatitis, myelofibrosis, and polycythemia Vera. However, these medications have been associated with higher incidence of deep vein thrombosis. The objective of this study was to investigate potential safety signals for DVT associated with JAK inhibitors using disproportionality analysis from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The authors retrospectively investigated case/non-case analysis using Openvigil 2.1-MedDRA-v24 (2004Q1 to 2022Q4). The preferred term used was 'deep vein thrombosis,' and the drugs included were baricitinib, tofacitinib, and upadacitinib. Reporting odds ratio, proportional reporting ratio, and information component were used to detect signals.

RESULTS

Overall 114,005 AE reports related to JAK inhibitors were identified, of which 647 reports (baricitinib - 169, tofacitinib - 425, and upadacitinib - 53) associated with DVT were obtained from FAERS. On analysis, baricitinib and tofacitinib had greater signal strength for age group of 65-100 years and all three had the highest signal strength for male gender.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study identified signals for DVT with baricitinib, tofacitinib, and upadacitinib. Further research using well-designed epidemiological data is needed to validate these results.

Role of Janus Kinase inhibitors in the management of pulmonary involvement due to Long COVID-19 disease: A case control study

OBJECTIVES

Ongoing symptomatic coronavirus disease 2019 (OSC) is defined as persistent symptoms beyond 4 weeks of acute illness. OSC leads to prolonged hospitalization and oxygen dependence. We aimed to find the outcome of Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) as a steroid-sparing agent to treat OSC.

METHODS

In this single-center case-controlled study comparing JAKi and corticosteroids in OSC cases, data of 41 cases out of 86 were included - 21 in the JAKi group and 20 in the corticosteroid group from 4 weeks of acute illness to the next 4 weeks. Clinical parameters and inflammatory markers were recorded. The primary outcome was to compare the proportion of patients who were able to maintain oxygen saturation ≥95% with any oxygen supplementation in the two groups.

RESULTS

The baseline clinical and demographic characteristics were similar in the two groups. The age was 53.65 ± 9.8 years and 51.48 ± 14.0 years in the corticosteroid group and JAKi group, respectively. At the baseline, 85% of patients in the corticosteroid group and 85.8% in the JAKi group were on oxygen support. The most common symptom in both groups was breathlessness followed by cough. Twenty percent of patients in the JAKi group received baricitinib and the remaining were given tofacitinib. At the time of follow-up, the majority of cases had a significant reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP) and D-dimer; however, the change in CRP and D-dimer was similar in both groups. The number of patients off oxygen support at 4 weeks was higher in the JAKi group (85% in the corticosteroid group vs. 95.2% in the JAKi group, P = 0.269), and the median time to liberation from oxygen support was significantly lower in JAKi group (19 days in corticosteroid group vs. 9 days in JAKi group, P < 0.001). The frequency of any adverse event was also higher in the corticosteroid group (70% vs. 23.8%, P = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

JAKi can be used as immunomodulatory drugs in hypoxic OSC cases having evidence of ongoing inflammation.

Therapeutic implications of current Janus kinase inhibitors as anti-COVID agents: A review

Severe cases of COVID-19 are characterized by hyperinflammation induced by cytokine storm, ARDS leading to multiorgan failure and death. JAK-STAT signaling has been implicated in immunopathogenesis of COVID-19 infection under different stages such as viral entry, escaping innate immunity, replication, and subsequent inflammatory processes. Prompted by this fact and prior utilization as an immunomodulatory agent for several autoimmune, allergic, and inflammatory conditions, Jakinibs have been recognized as validated small molecules targeting the rapid release of proinflammatory cytokines, primarily IL-6, and GM-CSF. Various clinical trials are under investigation to evaluate Jakinibs as potential candidates for treating COVID-19. Till date, there is only one small molecule Jakinib known as baricitinib has received FDA-approval as a standalone immunomodulatory agent in treating critical COVID-19 patients. Though various meta-analyses have confirmed and validated the safety and efficacy of Jakinibs, further studies are required to understand the elaborated pathogenesis of COVID-19, duration of Jakinib treatment, and assess the combination therapeutic strategies. In this review, we highlighted JAK-STAT signalling in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and clinically approved Jakinibs. Moreover, this review described substantially the promising use of Jakinibs and discussed their limitations in the context of COVID-19 therapy. Hence, this review article provides a concise, yet significant insight into the therapeutic implications of Jakinibs as potential anti-COVID agents which opens up a new horizon in the treatment of COVID-19, effectively.

Janus kinases inhibitors for coronavirus disease-2019: A pairwise and Bayesian network meta-analysis

Background

JAK (Janus kinases) inhibitors have been proposed as a promising treatment option for the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). However, the benefits of JAK inhibitors and the optimum thereof for COVID-19 have not been adequately defined.

Methods

Databases were searched from their inception dates to 17 June 2022. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials and observational studies. Extracted data were analyzed by pairwise and network meta-analysis. The primary outcome was the coefficient of mortality.

Results

Twenty-eight studies of 8,206 patients were included and assessed qualitatively (modified Jadad and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale scores). A pairwise meta-analysis revealed that JAK inhibitors effectively reduced the mortality (OR = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.46-0.63; P < 0.00001; I ² = 32%) without increasing the risk of adverse events (OR = 1.02; 95% CI: 0.88-1.18; P = 0.79; I ² = 12%). In a network meta-analysis, clinical efficacy benefits were seen among different types of JAK inhibitors (baricitinib, ruxolitinib, and tofacitinib) without the observation of a declined incidence of adverse events. The assessment of rank probabilities indicated that ruxolitinib presented the greatest likelihood of benefits regarding mortality and adverse events.

Conclusion

JAK inhibitors appear to be a promising treatment for COVID-19 concerning reducing mortality, and they do not increase the risk of adverse events vs. standard of care. A network meta-analysis suggests that mortality benefits are associated with specific JAK inhibitors, and among these, ruxolitinib presents the greatest likelihood of having benefits for mortality and adverse events.

Systematic review registration

[www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero], identifier [CRD42022343338].

Timing of tofacitinib therapy is critical to improving outcomes in severe-critical COVID-19 infection: A retrospective study from a tertiary care hospital

Describe the use of tofacitinib in severe and critical coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), and explore the association of drug initiation time with survival. A retrospective study of inpatients with severe or critical COVID-19 at a tertiary care hospital, who were prescribed generic tofacitinib for at least 48 hours, was conducted. Baseline demographics, comorbidities, illness severity, treatment, adverse effects and outcomes were analyzed. Patients were grouped based on median duration of symptomatic illness prior to tofacitinib administration, as early or late initiation groups. Forty-one patients ([85.4% males], mean age 52.9 ± 12.5 years), were studied. 65.9% (n = 27) had severe COVID-19, while 34.1% (n = 14) were critically ill. Death occurred in 36.6% patients (n = 15). The median time to prescription of tofacitinib was 13 (9.50, 16.0) days of symptom onset. Tofacitinib was initiated early (8-13 days) in 56.1% of patients (n = 23), while the remaining received it beyond day 14 of symptom onset (late initiation group). Multivariate logistic regression adjusted for age, presence of diabetes mellitus and illness duration prior to hospitalization demonstrated higher odds of survival (adjusted odds ratio 19.3, 95% confidence interval 2.57, 145.2) in the early initiation group, compared to the late initiation group. Early initiation of tofacitinib in severe and critical COVID-19 has potential to improve survival odds.

The Efficacy and Safety of Janus Kinase Inhibitors for Patients With COVID-19: A Living Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Cytokine storm observed in patients with severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) contributes to poor clinical outcomes and increased mortality. Janus kinases (JAKs) are important mediators in the cytokine storm. Therefore, we conduct a living systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature investigating efficacy and safety of JAK inhibitors for patients with COVID-19.

METHODS

Databases were searched up to December 1, 2021 for interventional and observational studies comparing JAK inhibitor treatment with concurrent control in patients with COVID-19. Efficacy and safety outcomes were evaluated by pooled risk ratio (RR).

RESULTS

Of 3,170 records retrieved, 15 studies were eligible and 13 were evaluated in the meta-analysis (n = 3,977). Based on data from three randomized controlled trials (RCTs), baricitinib treatment significantly decreased mortality by day 28 in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 (RR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.51-0.80) without increasing the incidence of adverse outcomes. In subgroup analysis, patients who required supplemental oxygen (RR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.41-0.95) or high-flow oxygen/non-invasive ventilation (RR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.42-0.85) at baseline benefited most. Pooled analysis of all eligible studies for JAK inhibitors (baricitinib, ruxolitinib, tofacitinib, and nezulcitinib) demonstrated a significant decrease in mortality (RR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.49-0.78) with no increase in the risk of adverse events.

CONCLUSION

Baricitinib probably decreases mortality in hospitalized adult patients with COVID-19, especially for patients who required supplemental oxygen or high-flow oxygen/non-invasive ventilation at baseline. The efficacy and safety of other JAK inhibitors, such as ruxolitinib, tofacitinib, and nezulcitinib, await more evidence.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021261414, identifier: CRD42021261414.

Use of Tofacitinib in the Management of COVID-19 Pneumonia

How to cite this article: Bande BD. Use of Tofacitinib in the Management of COVID-19 Pneumonia. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021; 25(10):1089–1090.