Update on COVID-19 Therapeutics for Solid Organ Transplant Recipients, Including the Omicron Surge

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Infectious Diseases
• Transplant Medicine

Background:

• Solid organ transplant recipients were often excluded from initial COVID-19 therapeutic trials.
• Real-world outcome studies are vital for understanding treatment efficacy in this vulnerable population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on clinical outcomes of novel COVID-19 therapies in solid organ transplant recipients.
• To discuss the utility of various early outpatient treatments and their impact.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of clinical outcomes in solid organ transplant recipients.
• Examination of data on monoclonal antibodies, convalescent plasma, oral antivirals (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, molnupiravir), remdesivir, and T-cell therapy.
• Identification of later COVID-19 consequences.

Main Results:

• Monoclonal antibodies for early treatment or prophylaxis appear to significantly reduce hospitalizations and deaths.
• Various outpatient therapies, including oral agents and antivirals, are discussed for their potential benefits.

Conclusions:

• Emerging COVID-19 therapies offer significant potential for improving outcomes in solid organ transplant recipients.
• Further research is needed on later consequences of COVID-19, including secondary infections and long COVID, in this population.