COVID-19 rapid evidence summary: Sarilumab for COVID-19

This summary reviews evidence from the REMAP-CAP study, in which 48 patients were randomised to sarilumab, which suggests it is beneficial in adults with severe COVID 19 who are critically ill and receiving respiratory or cardiovascular organ support in an intensive care setting.

SPS commentary:

The summary notes it is possible that any benefit from sarilumab is seen only in the most severely ill patients given sarilumab soon after organ support is started, when any developing organ dysfunction may be more reversible.

There is an interim position statement from NHS England on interleukin-6 inhibitors (tocilizumab or sarilumab) for patients admitted to ICU with COVID-19 pneumonia (adults). A clinical commissioning policy is intended to replace this interim position statement.

A COVID-19 rapid evidence summary on tocilizumab for COVID-19 is also available from NICE.

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence

Resource links:

Interim position statement

Tocilizumab evidence summary