COVID-19: Chugai and Actemra start clinical trial: Severe pneumonia / potential improvement
COVID-19:
Reported a case in which overseas medical institutions used Actemra (tocilizumab) for new coronavirus infection / severe pneumonia and the symptoms improved.
Japan: Osaka Habiki Medical Center
As of April 13, when used in critically ill patients, 5 out of 7 symptoms improved.
Pharmaceutical companies have also started clinical studies (clinical trials) in which the effects and safety are investigated directly in the human body.
Actemra: Chugai Pharmaceutical
Discovered by Prof. Kishimoto (Immunology) at Osaka University in Japan,
It is a drug that suppresses the action of the protein “interleukin (IL) 6” called “cytokine” which is involved in immunity.
What is a “cytokine storm”:
Excessive IL6 activity leads to a condition called the “cytokine storm.”
It causes fever, hypoxia, etc., resulting in death due to shock and multiple organ failure.
It was pointed out that the cytokine storm is involved in the aggravation of the new coronavirus.
Actually, it was reported that the use of Actemra started in China and other countries and that 19 out of 20 people recovered.
Canada: Toronto University Group
On April 3, an expert comprehensively analyzed 8 reports (including papers before peer review).
Prior to peer review, published a paper “A high IL6 level is associated with a high rate of seriousness, and that Actemra appears to be effective in ameliorating the severity”.
However, it is necessary to wait for a large-scale clinical trial to verify its safety and efficacy.
Asahi Shimbun Digital
https://www.asahi.com/sp/articles/ASN4F5FZSN4FPLBJ001.html?iref=sp_ss_date
Apr 08,2020 | Chugai Starts Phase III Clinical Trial of Actemra for COVID-19 Pneumonia in Japan
TOKYO, April 8, 2020 —
Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (TOKYO: 4519)
announced that it is working to start a Phase III clinical trial in Japan with the humanized anti-human IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody,
“Actemra® Intravenous Infusion 80 mg, 200 mg, and 400 mg” [generic name: tocilizumab (genetical recombination)] in COVID-19 pneumonia.
Chugai
filed a clinical trial notification with the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency today to conduct a Phase III clinical trial of Actemra for the treatment of hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia in Japan.
It is working to start enrolling as soon as possible after finalizing study details.
News | CHUGAI PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD.
https://www.chugai-pharm.co.jp/english/news/detail/20200408170000_718.html