Effects of Siltuximab Versus Corticosteroids in Preventing COVID-19 Pneumonia Disease Progression: Multicentre, Open-Label, Randomized Clinical Trial.

ABSTRACT: In 2020, COVID-19 caused a global health crisis, prompting research efforts and accelerating drug development. As part of this response, we conducted a phase 2b, multicentre, open-label, randomized (1:1) clinical trial to compare the effects of siltuximab versus corticosteroids on disease progression in hospitalized adults with COVID-19 pneumonia. Between April 2020 and January 2021, 82 patients were randomized to receive siltuximab and 80 corticosteroids (20 methylprednisolone and 60 dexamethasone). Median (IQR) age was 61 years (50-72). Nineteen patients allocated to siltuximab were admitted to the intensive care unit compared to eight receiving corticosteroids (p = 0.025). Corticosteroid treatment was independently associated with a higher risk of avoiding intensive care unit admission

SUBMITTER: Leal L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12874496 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature