Therapeutic use of specific tumour necrosis factor inhibitors in inflammatory diseases including COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused significant devastation globally. Despite the development of several vaccines, with uncertainty around global uptake and vaccine efficacy, the need for effective therapeutic agents remains. Increased levels of cytokines including tumour necrosis factor are significant in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and associated with poor outcomes including ventilator requirement and mortality. Repurposing tumour necrosis factor blocker therapy used in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease seems promising, with early feasibility data showing a reduction in circulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and encouraging the evaluation of such interventions in preventing disease progression and clinical deterioration in patients with COVID-19. Here, we examine the biological activities of tumour necrosis factor inhibitors indicative of their potential in COVID-19 and briefly outline the randomised control trials assessing their benefit-risk profile in COVID-19 therapy.

Automated summary

The global outbreak of COVID-19 has caused significant devastation, with uncertainties around vaccine development highlighting the need for effective therapeutic agents. Research has shown promise in repurposing tumor necrosis factor blocker therapy, typically used in rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, for reducing inflammation in COVID-19 patients and potentially preventing disease progression. Randomized controlled trials are ongoing to assess the benefit-risk profile of such interventions in COVID-19 therapy.