Blocking Egfr with Nimotuzumab: A Novel Strategy for Covid-19 Treatment
Henrry Diaz Londres, Jorge Jiménez Armada, Aray Hernández Martínez, Anselmo Abdo Cuza, Yamilka Hernández Sánchez, Aylin Granado Rodríguez, Sarahy Sepúlveda Figueroa, Egda M Llanez Gregorich, Mery L Torres Lahera, Francisco Gómez Peire, Teresita Montero-González, Yaneth Zamora González, Ana Laura Añé-Kourí, Addys González Palomo, Mayelín Troche Concepción, Loipa Medel Pérez, Patricia Lorenzo-Luaces, Daymys Estévez Iglesias, Danay Saavedra, Mayra Ramos, Tania Crombet
Abstract
Background: Lung injury and STAT1 deficit induce EGFR overexpression in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Patients & methods: A phase I/II trial was done to evaluate the safety and preliminary effect of nimotuzumab, an anti-EGFR antibody, in COVID-19 patients. Patients received from one to three infusions together with other drugs included in the national guideline. Results: 41 patients (31 severe and 10 moderate) received nimotuzumab. The median age was 62 years and the main comorbidities were hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The antibody was very safe and the 14-day recovery rate was 82.9%. Inflammatory markers decreased over time. Patients did not show signs of fibrosis. Conclusion: Nimotuzumab is a safe antibody that might reduce inflammation and prevent fibrosis in severe and moderate COVID-19 patients. Clinical Trial Registration: RPCEC00000369 (rpcec.sld.cu).