LONDON, June 10 (Reuters) - Two drugs used to treat
inflammatory diseases and cancer are being tested as potential
therapies for patients with COVID-19, the Universities of
Birmingham and Oxford announced on Wednesday.
Severe cases of COVID-19 are believed to be triggered by an
over-reaction of the immune system, known as a cytokine storm,
and researchers are investigating whether drugs that suppress
certain elements of the immune system can play a role in
arresting a rapid escalation of symptoms.
Izana Bioscience's Namilumab, a monoclonal antibody already
in late-stage tests to treat rheumatoid arthritis and an
inflammatory disease called ankylosing spondylitis, is the first
of four candidates in the CATALYST trial.
It targets a cytokine called GM-CSF, which in uncontrolled
levels is believed to be a key driver of the excessive and
dangerous lung inflammation seen in COVID-19 patients.
The drug is already being tested as a COVID-19 therapy in
Italy.
The second drug, Infliximab (CT-P13), developed by
Slough-based Celltrion Healthcare UK, is an anti-tumour necrosis
factor (TNF) therapy. It is used to treat eight autoimmune
diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and irritable bowel
syndrome.
Ben Fisher, trial co-clinical investigator from the
University of Birmingham, said: "Emerging evidence is
demonstrating a critical role for anti-inflammatory drugs in the
cytokine storm associated with severe COVID-19 infection.
"In the CATALYST study we hope to show with a single dose of
these kinds of drugs in hospitalised patients that we are able
to delay or prevent the rapid deterioration into intensive care
and requirement for invasive ventilation in this critical
patient group."
Other autoimmune disease drugs that are being tested for
their ability to quell the cytokine storm in trials include
Regeneron and Sanofi's Kevzara, Roche's
Actemra as well as Morphosys and
GlaxoSmithKline's otilimab.
Japan's Takeda has a strategic equity stake in
Izana.
(Reporting by Paul Sandle; Editing by Nick Macfie)