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Drug Res (Stuttg) 2020; 70(07): 291-297
DOI: 10.1055/a-1170-4395
Opinion Paper

Interferons in the Therapy of Severe Coronavirus Infections: A Critical Analysis and Recollection of a Forgotten Therapeutic Regimen with Interferon Beta

Josef Brzoska
1   Linical Europe GmbH, Frankfurt, Germany
*   Last affiliations prior to retirement
,
Harald von Eick
2   CTI Clinical Trial and Consulting Services Europe GmbH, Ulm, Germany
*   Last affiliations prior to retirement
,
Manfred Hündgen
3   Rentschler Biotechnologie GmbH, Laupheim, Germany
*   Last affiliations prior to retirement
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Abstract

The pharmacological and immunological properties of interferons, especially those of interferon beta, and the corresponding treatment strategies are described, and the results of studies with different interferons in coronavirus infections are analysed. Furthermore, the data obtained with high-dosed native interferon beta in life-threatening acute viral diseases as well as the results of clinical pilot studies with high-dosed recombinant interferon beta-1a are provided because they serve as the rationale for the proposed therapeutic regimen to be applied in acute viral infections. This regimen differs from those approved for treatment of multiple sclerosis and consists of interferon beta-1a administered as a 24 hour intravenous infusion at a daily dose of up to 90 µg for 3–5 consecutive days. Since under this regimen transient severe side effects can occur, it is analysed which patients are suitable for this kind of treatment in general and if patients with severe coronavirus infections could also be treated accordingly.

Key words

antiviral drugs - cytokines - drug research - human pharmacology - infectious diseases - immunopharmacology - SARS - MERS - COVID-19 - SARS-CoV-2


Publikationsverlauf

Eingereicht: 24. März 2020

Angenommen: 29. April 2020

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
22. Mai 2020

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Stuttgart · New York

 

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