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Tocilizumab: From Rheumatic Diseases to COVID-19
Alberto Raiteri1, Fabio Piscaglia1, Alessandro Granito1
1Division of Internal Medicine, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, via Albertoni 15, Italy.
Current Pharmaceutical Design
|March 15, 2021
Summary
Tocilizumab, an interleukin-6 inhibitor, may reduce organ damage in severe COVID-19. However, its efficacy and safety for treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remain controversial, requiring further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Tocilizumab is an interleukin-6 receptor-inhibiting monoclonal antibody approved for immune-related conditions.
- Severe COVID-19 is associated with a cytokine storm, making IL-6 a potential therapeutic target.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the physiopathological rationale for using tocilizumab in COVID-19.
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of tocilizumab for treating severe COVID-19 based on available literature.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of MEDLINE database using keywords related to coronaviruses and tocilizumab/IL-6.
- Analysis of existing reports and ongoing trials concerning tocilizumab in COVID-19 patients.
Main Results:
- The scientific rationale for tocilizumab in COVID-19 is strong, targeting immune-induced organ damage.
- Current evidence on tocilizumab's efficacy and safety for COVID-19 outcomes is controversial.
- Limited patient data in early reports hindered comprehensive evaluation.
Conclusions:
- Tocilizumab's potential to mitigate severe COVID-19 complications warrants continued research.
- Ongoing trials and future studies are crucial for definitive conclusions.
- Findings will inform potential treatments for future coronavirus pandemics.
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