Inhaled interferons beta and SARS-COV2 infection: a preliminary therapeutic perspective

ABSTRACT

Introduction

SARS-COV2 infection represents a therapeutic challenge due to the limited number of effective therapies available and due to the fact that it is not clear which host response in terms of inflammation pattern is the most predictive for an optimal (and rapid) recovery. Interferon β pathway is impaired in SARS-COV2 infection and this is associated with a bigger disease burden. Exogenous inhaled interferon might be beneficial in this setting.

Areas covered

Nebulized interferon-β is currently investigated as a potential therapy for SARS-COV2 because the available data from a phase II study demonstrate that this medication is able to accelerate the recovery from disease.

Expert opinion

Further clinical studies are needed in order to better document the efficacy of this therapy especially in severe forms of COVID-19, the optimal duration of therapy and if such a medication is appropriate for domiciliary use. Also combined regimens with antivirals or with compounds which are able to enhance the endogenous production of interferon might be of promise.

KEYWORDS:

• Interferon
• nebulization
• SARS-COV2
• asthma
• COPD
• COVID-19

Article highlights

• SARS-COV2 infection remains a therapeutic challenge especially in its most severe forms. Lung involvement in SARS-COV2 infection is the most prevalent and the most potentially lethal.

• The existing therapies are not always able to halt the progression of infection and to increase the host defense.

• Interferon pathways are impaired during SARS-COV2 infection and this is associated with increased mortality and prolonged disease course.

• Exogenous inhaled interferon therapy was previously found to be beneficial in the setting of viral exacerbations of asthma and of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

• In SARS-COV2 infection interferon −1a, was evaluated in a phase II clinical trial and found to speed up recovery and to prevent progression to severe disease or death.

• Nebulized interferon −1a also exerted a therapeutic effect on respiratory symptom burden.

Declaration of Interests

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.