GSK Launches Trial of Rheumatoid Arthritis Drug Otilimab for COVID-19

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has launched a phase 2 trial in the UK of its investigational rheumatoid arthritis treatment otilimab for hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Patients will be given a single, one-hour infusion of the monoclonal antibody or a placebo in addition to the standard of care to assess if the drug can ease the effects of coronavirus infections on the lungs. It will enroll hospitalized COVID-19 patients who are receiving oxygen or ventilator support.

GSK believes otilimab could potentially treat cytokine storm, a severe overreaction by the immune system. The researchers will look at the proportion of participants alive and free of lung failure after 28 days.

The antibody is also currently in phase 3 testing in the U.S. for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. — Jordan Williams