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The arthritis drug tocilizumab has shown promise in preventing extreme inflammation in seriously ill COVID-19 patients, according to a French clinical study.
The treatment, which suppresses the body’s natural immune response, was found to “significantly” reduce the number of deaths or life-support interventions compared to a control group of patients.
The study, conducted by the University of Paris Hospital Trust (AP-HP), examined 129 people hospitalized with moderate or severe viral pneumonia, which occurs in 5-10 percent of patients with Covid-19.
Half received two injections of tocilizumab, as well as standard antibiotic treatment, while the control group received only standard treatment.
While the results have not yet been published, those involved in the research said it showed a clear “clinical benefit” from tocilizumab treatment.
AP-HP said it had decided to publish the study before publishing the official results “for public health reasons.”
However, they emphasized that more research is needed on the effectiveness of the drug and the potential for side effects.
Tocilizumab, sold under the brand names Actemra and RoAcemtra, is commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
It is a laboratory-synthesized antibody that inhibits against a specific protein receptor involved in the body’s natural immune response.
The researchers believe that the drug could prevent a state of increased immune response known as cytokine storms, where the body’s reaction to a foreign body such as disease or a chemical creates acute inflammation.
Cytokine storms can be fatal and occur in seriously ill patients with Covid-19.
Tocilizumab currently costs around 800 euros ($ 870) per injection.
Several existing drugs, including antiviral drugs, are currently being tested worldwide for Covid-19 treatment.
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