No impact from anakinra in mild/moderate COVID-19 pneumonia
3 May 2021. Related: COVID-19: investigational drugs, COVID-19.
Simon Collins, HIV i-Base
Although early studies suggested the rheumatoid arthritis drug anakinra might have a positive impact on reducing inflammation in COVID-19, this was not seen in participants with mild to moderate pneumonia in the randomised CORIUMO study.
The study screened 153 patients and enrolled of 116 patients, roughly half in the active and placebo groups. However, based on lack of difference in symptoms at day 4 or day 14, and a similar lack of difference in mortality at day 90 (27% in each group), the study was closed early based on a recommendation from the independent data and safety monitoring board (DSMB).
Further studies are be needed to see whether there is an effect for other COVID-19 indications.
Reference
The CORIMUNO-19 Collaborative group. Effect of anakinra versus usual care in adults in hospital with COVID-19 and mild-to-moderate pneumonia (CORIMUNO-ANA-1): a randomised controlled trial. Lancet Respiratory Medicine 9(3):295-304 (March 2021).
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213260020305567