Systematic Review on Treatment Trials of Tocilizumab: A Repurposing Drug against COVID-19

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become a global issue today. There exists an ongoing health crisis all over the world, and efficacious drugs against COVID-19 are not available yet. Therefore, on an urgent basis, scientists are looking for safe and efficacious drugs against SARSCoV- 2. Methods: The reported individual patient data and clinical outcomes, including the rate of recovery and mortality, patients’ characteristics, and complications, are reviewed. Randomized controlled trials, single-center cohort studies, and different case studies are provided, and the PICO model is used to illustrate the outcomes. Results: There exist several FDA (U.S Food and Drug Administration) approved anti coronavirus drugs that sometimes are unsuccessful in curing COVID-19 critical conditions. It has been observed that a humanized monoclonal antibody, Tocilizumab (licensed for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis), targeting the interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor, has an integral role in the treatment of COVID-19. Conclusion: The cause behind the mortality of COVID-19 patients was found to be the Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS). Therefore, besides other antiviral drugs, the utilization of tocilizumab should also be considered as it can effectively block IL-6 and reduce the inflammatory signal.