Inhibition of Bruton tyrosine kinase in patients with severe COVID-19

In this study (n=19) a 10-14 day treatment course of acalabrutinib, a selective Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor, improved oxygenation and markers of inflammation (C-reactive protein and IL-6) quickly in patients with severe COVID-19 disease.

SPS commentary:

Authors state these results demonstrate targeting excessive host inflammation with a BTK inhibitor is a therapeutic strategy in severe COVID-19; and has since led to a confirmatory international prospective randomised controlled clinical trial. In the US, acalabrutinib is licensed for treatment of relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. The UK and EU developmental status of acalabrutinib is unknown.

Science Immunology