Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

May 25, 2021

Effectiveness of Tocilizumab in Patients Hospitalized With COVID-19

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  • The IL-6 inhibitor tocilizumab was not associated with a reduction in 90-day mortality (HR=0.64, 95%CI 0.25-1.65) in a follow-up of a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 who were receiving oxygen but did not require high-flow or mechanical ventilation (n=130). However, in a subgroup analysis including participants with baseline C-reactive protein levels greater than 15 mg/dL, 90-day mortality was 9% in the tocilizumab group and 35% the usual care group (HR, 0.18; 95%CI 0.04-0.89). The authors caution interpretation of the findings given the small sample size and narrow study criteria (patients with a WHO Cognitive Performance Scale score of 5 exactly and requiring at least 3 L/min of oxygen).

Mariette et al. (May 24, 2021). Effectiveness of Tocilizumab in Patients Hospitalized With COVID-19. JAMA Internal Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2021.2209