Overview on the use of IL-6 agents in the treatment of patients with cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and pneumonitis related to COVID-19 disease.

Overview on the use of IL-6 agents in the treatment of patients with cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and pneumonitis related to COVID-19 disease. Expert Opin Investig Drugs. 2020 Oct 23;: Authors: Zhou Z, Price CC Abstract INTRODUCTION: A novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) has caused significant life loss and healthcare burden around the world. COVID-19 is known to cause a cytokine release syndrome (CRS) like response, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) is one of the cytokines involved. Clinicians are using IL-6 inhibitors to CRS, and researchers are investigating the use of IL-6 inhibitors, namely tocilizumab, sarilumab, siltuximab, in COVID-19 management. AREAS COVERED: In this article, we will discuss the pharmacology of these three inhibitors and summarize available clinical data via literature search on PubMed with keywords of tocilizumab, sarilumab, siltuximab, and COVID-19. While awaiting more data from randomized clinical trials on these drugs, observational studies and clinical reports have demonstrated IL-6 inhibitors showed some benefits in improving clinical outcome and a well-tolerated safety profile. EXPERT OPINION: There is a role for suppressing the immune response with IL-6 inhibitors that will continue to require investigation. These agents are available and have demonstrated a mild safety profile. There may be advantages to a targeted approach to suppressing the hyperinflammatory state of the disease. Tim...
Source: Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Tags: Expert Opin Investig Drugs Source Type: research