Subcutaneous administration of interferon beta-1a for COVID-19: A non-controlled prospective trial

Abstract

Background: Recently, a new coronavirus spreads rapidly throughout the countries and resulted in a worldwide epidemic. Interferons have direct antiviral and immunomodulatory effects. Antiviral effects may include inhibition of viral replication, protein synthesis, virus maturation, or virus release from infected cells. Previous studies have shown that some coronaviruses are susceptible to interferons. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of IFN-β-1a administration in COVID-19. Methods: In this prospective non-controlled trial, 20 patients included. They received IFN-β-1a at a dose of 44 µg subcutaneously every other day up to 10 days. All patients received conventional therapy including Hydroxychloroquine, and lopinavir/ritonavir. Demographic data, clinical symptoms, virological clearance, and imaging findings recorded during the study. Results: The mean age of the patients was 58.55 ± 13.43 years. Fever resolved in all patients during first seven days. Although other symptoms decreased gradually. Virological clearance results showed a significant decrease within 10 days. Imaging studies showed significant recovery after 14-day period in all patients. The mean time of hospitalization was 16.8 ± 3.4 days. There were no deaths or significant adverse drug reactions in the 14-day period. Conclusions: Our findings support the use of IFN-β-1a in combination with hydroxychloroquine and lopinavir/ ritonavir in the management of COVID-19. Clinical trial registration number: IRCT20151227025726N12.

Computational and Transcriptome Analyses Revealed Preferential Induction of Chemotaxis and Lipid Synthesis by SARS-CoV-2

“…In one study, 20 patients received 44 µg of IFN-β-1a subcutaneously every other day up to 10 days, along with conventional therapy (Clinical trial registration number: IRCT20151227025726N12). Within this time, virology clearance had decreased in time and there has been significant recovery in all patients within 14 days, supporting the use of IFN-β-1a in combination with hydroxychloroquine and lopinavir/ritonavir in the management of COVID-19 [ 54 ]. An early administration of TNFα inhibitor therapy in patients with severe COVID-19 infections has been proposed in the reduction of the viral burden, reducing the need for advanced cardiorespiratory support and preventing early mortality.…”

COVID-19: A Review on Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prophylaxis

“…The study had limitations, which are the absence of a control group and the exclusive enrollment of moderate forms of COVID-19. IFN β1a in combination with hydroxychloroquine and lopinavir/ritonavir was effective in reducing disease symptoms at a low dose of 44 μg administered subcutaneously every other day up to 10 days [ 62 ]. A trial in China (ChiCTR2000029308) has been registered for hospitalized COVID-19 patients, estimating the efficacy of ritonavir-lopinavir and IFN α2b combined therapy [ 1 , 16 ].…”

Is there any potential management against COVID-19? A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…(3) plasma therapy [11,[55][56][57][58][59][60] [12,[71][72][73][74][75][76][77][78][79][80][81][82][83][84]. On the whole, 24 studies were performed in china, seven in Italy, four in France, three in the U.S., two in Korea, one in Iran, one in Hong Kong and Qatar, and two were conducted internationally in Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, USA, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan Japan, and France.…”