Novartis to Begin Ilaris Trial as COVID-19 Treatment

Novartis is launching a phase 3 study of its anti-inflammatory drug Ilaris (canakinumab) for treatment of COVID-19 patients with pneumonia.

The trial aims to show that the monoclonal antibody can treat cytokine release syndrome, also known as cytokine storm, and increase survival rates without the need for mechanical ventilation.

Novartis plans to enroll 450 patients at multiple centers across France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and the U.S. Participants will be randomized to receive canakinumab or a placebo. Early results are expected by late summer.

Ilaris is currently approved for treatment of a variety of fever syndromes and juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Other drugmakers continue to enter the race for COVID-19 treatments. Mumbai-based Glenmark Pharmaceuticals received approval this week for a clinical trial in India of its generic antiviral favipiravir as a COVID-19 treatment.

The initial 28-day trial will assess the influenza drug in 150 subjects with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 infections, randomized to receive either favipiravir or standard care.

Glenmark is the first drugmaker in India approved to test a COVID-19 treatment. — Jordan Williams