A Phase 2 Trial to Evaluate the Safety and Tolerability of Clazakizumab® [Anti-Interleukin (IL)-6 Monoclonal] Compared to Placebo for the Treatment of COVID-19 Infection
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness and safety of treatment with clazakizumab compared to a placebo (inactive substance). We are proposing to try this drug to treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Patients with COVID-19 infection have been shown to have increases in certain inflammatory processes. Clazakizumab is an antibody (immune system protein) that blocks certain inflammatory processes. The treatment plan is to attempt to inhibit or block these inflammatory processes in order to try to limit the damage COVID-19 causes to the lungs.
• Age \>18 at the time of screening.
• Participant or legally authorized representative (LAR) must be able to understand and provide informed consent.
• Hospitalized with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay from any specimen (eg, respiratory, blood, urine, stool, other bodily fluid) within the prior 72 hours.
• C-reactive protein (CRP) \> 3.5 mg/dL
• Evidence of pulmonary involvement with at least 2 of the following:
‣ oxygen saturation at rest in ambient air with peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2) ≤ 94%
⁃ tachypnea with resting respiration rate \> 25 breaths/minute
⁃ Partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2)/initial fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) ≤ 300 mmHg
⁃ Chest imaging (radiograph, CT, or ultrasound) with abnormalities consistent COVID-19 pneumonia