A Clinical Update on Employing Tocilizumab to Fight COVID-19

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19, currently regarded as ‘terror’ worldwide, has spread uncontrollably as a serious menace. Till date, limited effective medicines or treatments are available. The mortality and morbidity rates have increased considerably, which have been aggravated by acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and new and old cardiovascular injuries. To control COVID-19, many drugs have been taken into consideration, like ACE2 blockers, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibodies against IL-1 and anti-IL-6, Remdesivir, Dexamethasone, Hydroxychloroquine and vaccines. In this chapter, preference is given to Tocilizumab with the latest status of clinical research update available. Despite several clinical research attempts, some have yielded promising results, others are inconclusive.