Proposal for the Use of Canakinumab in Acute Respiratory Distress Secondary to COVID-19 Infection

Authors: Munoz-Jiménez A*, Rubio-Romero E and Marenco de la Fuente JL

Special Issue 1: COVID-19 Disease Characteristics in Different Types of Patients

Abstract

The outcome of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection mainly affects the pulmonary field, causing a picture of ACUTE RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME (ARDS). This process is an inflammatory condition, caused by a cascade of cytokines under the protection of the NLRP3 INFLAMOSOME, which is mainly responsible for the destruction of the alveoli. Among all the cytokines that are triggered in this picture, IL-1Î’ stands out. CANAKINUMAB is a potent biological drug, capable of blocking this IL-1Î’. We propose its use, in order to control ARDS secondary to COVID-19 infection, using the intravenous route and higher doses than those used according to its technical data sheets.

Keywords: Canakinumab; IL1 Beta; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

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