A team of international researchers using artificial intelligence algorithms to scan available scientific literature has identified Eli Lilly’s Olumiant (baricitinib) as a possible treatment for COVID-19.

The team looked for existing drugs that could block inflammation and infectivity. Baricitinib was identified because of its ability to inhibit cytokine activity and viral spread.

The kinase inhibitor is approved for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in adults whose disease is not well-controlled using other medications.