UK-based Izana Bioscience has launched a compassionate use study of namilumab (IZN-101) in patients with rapidly worsening Covid-19 in Bergamo and Milan, Italy.
The two-centre study is being conducted in collaboration with the Humanitas Research group. Eligible patients who are being treated at Humanitas Research Hospitals will be enrolled in the study.
Namilumab is a human monoclonal antibody designed to act on granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), involved in various immune-mediated diseases.
Currently, the drug is being developed to treat rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Based on data from studies in China, GM-CSF levels are higher in Covid-19 patients admitted to ICU, indicating potential