Nimotuzumab for COVID-19: case series.
Immunotherapy
; 2021 Nov 22.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1528786
ABSTRACT
Background:
In COVID-19, EGFR production is upregulated in the alveolar epithelial cells. EGFR overexpression further activates STAT-3 and increases lung pathology. The EGFR pathway is also one of the major nodes in pulmonary fibrosis.Methods:
Nimotuzumab, a humanized anti-EGFR antibody, was used to treat three patients with severe or moderate COVID-19. The antibody was administered in combination with other drugs included in the national COVID-19 protocol.Results:
Nimotuzumab was well tolerated. IL-6 decreased from the first antibody infusion. Clinical symptoms significantly improved after nimotuzumab administration, and the CT scans at discharge showed major resolution of the lung lesions and no signs of fibrosis.Conclusion:
Safe anti-EGFR antibodies like nimotuzumab may modulate COVID-19-associated hyperinflammation and prevent fibrosis. Clinical Trial Registration RPCEC00000369 (RPCEC rpcec.sld.cu).
Lay abstract
Background:
In COVID-19, the protein EGFR is overactive in the infected lung cells.Methods:
Nimotuzumab, an anti-EGFR antibody, was used to treat three patients with severe or moderate COVID-19. The antibody was administered in combination with other drugs included in the national COVID-19 protocol.Results:
Nimotuzumab was safe. The most important inflammatory markers decreased from the first administration. The patients' clinical symptoms and imaging results improved significantly.Conclusion:
Anti-EGFR antibodies like nimotuzumab may contribute to the recovery of COVID-19 patients without long-term consequences.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Type of study:
Prognostic study
/
Randomized controlled trials
Topics:
Long Covid
Language:
English
Journal subject:
Allergy and Immunology
/
Therapeutics
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Imt-2021-0269
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