Treat 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) with IL-6 inhibitor: Are we already that far?

Drug Discov Ther. 2020;14(2):100-102. doi: 10.5582/ddt.2020.03006.

Abstract

The world is in the midst of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) inhibitor (tocilizumab) had been suggested for the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients based on the concept of "cytokine storm" in COVID-19. However, we still lack reliable studies to verify "cytokine storm" in COVID-19 pneumonia. Furthermore, IL-6 inhibitor has potential hazards of inducing infectious diseases. The efficacy of IL-6 monoclonal antibody-directed therapy remains to be fully evaluated.

Keywords: coronavirus; cytokine storm; pneumonia; tocilizumab.

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use*
  • Betacoronavirus
  • COVID-19
  • COVID-19 Drug Treatment
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Coronavirus Infections / drug therapy*
  • Cytokines / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-6
  • Pandemics
  • Pneumonia, Viral / drug therapy*
  • Receptors, Interleukin-6 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • SARS-CoV-2

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Cytokines
  • IL6 protein, human
  • Interleukin-6
  • Receptors, Interleukin-6
  • tocilizumab