[jyl]

Another drug to watch is Actemra (Roche) and the similar Kevaza (sp?) (Regeneron). Worse Covid outcomes have been associated with high IL-6 levels, and older persons tend to have higher IL-6 (IL-6 is part of the immune response). These two drugs are IL-6 inhibitors normally used for rheumatoid arthritis, also used to suppress CRS (cytokine storm) in patients receiving certain immunotherapy e.g. CAR-T. You probably want a targeted immune suppressor, rather than broadly suppressing the immune system (e.g. steroids), although that is being tested too. Actemra’s patent protection is expired, which isn’t great for Roche, but realistically the biosimilars will probably have trouble ramping production so Roche will be able to make money if the drug proves effective. I think Regenron still has patent protection for its drug.