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Anakinra-An Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist for COVID-19
Timothy Nguyen1, Lorena Dima2, Kristine C Willett3
1Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Long Island University, Brooklyn, NY.
American Journal of Therapeutics
|February 22, 2023
Summary
Anakinra, an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, significantly improved recovery rates and reduced mortality in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19. This therapeutic advance offers a promising new option for managing the global pandemic.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, presents limited therapeutic options.
- Interleukin-1 (IL-1) plays a central role in severe COVID-19 cases due to epithelial cell damage.
- Anakinra, a recombinant IL-1 receptor antagonist, is being investigated for its potential in treating COVID-19.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of anakinra in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19.
- To determine if anakinra can improve clinical outcomes and reduce mortality in COVID-19 patients.
Main Methods:
- The SAVE-MORE trial was a phase 3, double-blind, randomized controlled study.
- Patients received either anakinra 100 mg subcutaneously daily for up to 10 days or a placebo.
- Inclusion criteria included moderate to severe COVID-19 and plasma suPAR ≥6 ng/mL.
Main Results:
- Anakinra treatment resulted in 50.4% of patients fully recovering with no detectable viral RNA by day 28, compared to 26.5% in the placebo group.
- A relative decrease of over 50% in mortality was observed in the anakinra group.
- A significantly reduced risk of worse clinical outcomes was demonstrated with anakinra therapy.
Conclusions:
- Anakinra demonstrates significant efficacy in improving recovery and reducing mortality in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19.
- The study supports anakinra as a potential therapeutic agent for COVID-19 management.
- Further research may explore anakinra's role in different patient populations and disease severities.
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