First Phase III data for an IL-6 mAb in COVID-19 disappoint

A Phase III miss for IL-6 inhibitor Kevzara may not reflect a broader problem with the target or the strengthening theory that immune modulators are the best line of defense against severe forms of COVID-19. But the readout, which was in the most severe COVID-19 patients, is the latest evidence against the mAb from Sanofi and Regeneron in the pandemic.

A 400 mg dose of Kevzara sarilumab missed the primary and key secondary endpoints in a trial in critically ill COVID-19 patients on mechanical ventilation, Sanofi (Euronext:SAN; NASDAQ:SNY) and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:RGEN) announced late Thursday. ...