A Mini Review on the Clinical Studies of Tocilizumab for COVID-19 Conducted in Selected Asian Countries

Abstract

The primary purpose of this short review article is to give adequate data and information on many clinical studies undertaken in Asian countries on the utilzation of the recombinant drug, Tocilizumab for Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, which has spread around the globe in recent years. Vaccines and antiviral drugs were being explored for efficacy in order to reduce disease transmission. Tocilizumab, a recombinant monoclonal antibody, is being evaluated to treat COVID-19 infections. Some nations, such as the Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdon and United States, conducted clinical trials to determine the efficacy of this agent against COVID-19. Asian nations that took part in the tocilizumab clinical trials included China, Japan, India, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia. In the testings, flat doses ranging from flat 4 – 8 mg/kg IV and maximum doses of 200-800 mg/kg for severe infection were used and some countries whose trials were in combination with Dexamethasone. These doses are well tolerated and no significant adverse effects were noted. As a result, Tocilizumab is a promising medication that is being developed with the goal of treating and preventing COVID-19 infections.