Nimotuzumab for COVID-19: case series

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Pulmonology
• Virology

Background:

• COVID-19 is associated with upregulated Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) production in alveolar cells.
• EGFR overexpression exacerbates lung pathology by activating STAT-3 and is implicated in pulmonary fibrosis.
• The EGFR pathway is a key factor in the development of lung fibrosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of nimotuzumab, a humanized anti-EGFR antibody, in treating COVID-19 patients.
• To assess nimotuzumab's impact on COVID-19-associated hyperinflammation and lung pathology.

Main Methods:

• Three patients with severe or moderate COVID-19 received nimotuzumab.
• Nimotuzumab was administered as an adjunct to the national COVID-19 treatment protocol.
• Clinical symptoms, IL-6 levels, and lung lesions via CT scans were monitored.

Main Results:

• Nimotuzumab was well-tolerated by all patients.
• Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels decreased following the first antibody infusion.
• Patients showed significant clinical improvement, with CT scans revealing resolution of lung lesions and no signs of fibrosis.

Conclusions:

• Safe anti-EGFR antibodies, such as nimotuzumab, may effectively modulate COVID-19-induced hyperinflammation.
• Nimotuzumab demonstrates potential in preventing the development of pulmonary fibrosis in COVID-19 survivors.
• Targeting the EGFR pathway offers a promising therapeutic strategy for managing severe COVID-19 and its long-term respiratory complications.