This thread is a typical course of severe #Covid_19 and what doctors are trying & not trying. There are 2 phases: mild symptoms then rapid onset of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with a potentially fatal inflammation storm, even though viruses seem to be controlled...
Steroids that suppress inflammation are not recommended for #Covid_19, but when the body turns on itself with a hyperinflammation storm, then doctors have weapons to unleash...
A trustworthy clinical trial of tocilizumab (Actemra) showed promising results and is now being used around the world. Actemra blocks the action of the inflammatory protein called Interleukin 6 (IL-6). In China, this drug is now approved for #Covid_19.
IL-6 is one of hundreds of “cytokines.” But this one plays an especially important role in the immune response & promotes many diseases: autoimmunity, multiple myeloma and prostate cancer. It was developed by Japanese company Chugai and Swiss Hoffmann–La Roche in 2000s.
Actemra is usually used to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis or to stop inflammation of the lining of blood vessels. The drug is usually given IV but can be given under the skin too.
In the UK, patients with low viral load are being given Actemra. The drug is made of an antibody that sticks to the interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor which blocks the inflammatory signal. This stems the #coronavirus-induced cytokine storm.
Other promising approaches to #COVID include blocking of another protein called IL-1 using the drug Anakinra from Swedish company Biovitrum, initially developed for sepsis. It showed significant survival benefit in patients with hyperinflammation, without serious side-effects.
Janus kinase (JAK) inhibition I shows promise reducing inflammation and cellular viral entry in #COVIDー19. Professionals see this reference: tinyurl.com/uvrhogd 🙏 We are so grateful.
p.s. Several other IL-6-blocking drugs are available or in trials tinyurl.com/ulgnv6v
Please note: I’m a scientist not an MD. As stated in my bio, this isn’t medical advice. The link I provided is to peer-reviewed scientific articles for professionals. ✌️
