Effect of Crizanlizumab, a P-Selectin Inhibitor, in COVID-19
Thorsten M. Leucker, William O. Osburn, Paula Reventún, Kimberley J. Smith, Brian Claggett, Bridget‐Anne Kirwan, Sophie de Brouwer, Marlene S. Williams, Gary Gerstenblith, David N. Hager, Michael B. Streiff, Scott D. Solomon, Charles J. Lowenstein
Abstract
COVID-19 is characterized by vascular inflammation and thrombosis, including elevations in P-selectin, a mediator of inflammation released by endothelial cells. We tested the effect of P-selectin inhibition on biomarkers of thrombosis and inflammation in patients with COVID-19. Hospitalized patients with moderate COVID-19 were randomly assigned to receive either placebo or crizanlizumab, a P-selectin inhibitor, in a double-blind fashion. Crizanlizumab reduced P-selectin levels by 89%. Crizanlizumab increased D-dimer levels by 77% and decreased prothrombin fragment. There were no significant differences between crizanlizumab and placebo for clinical endpoints. Crizanlizumab was well tolerated. Crizanlizumab may induce thrombolysis in the setting of COVID-19. (Crizanlizumab for Treating COVID-19 Vasculopathy [CRITICAL]; NCT04435184).