Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of an interleukin-17 inhibitor in hospitalized COVID-19 patients

Aim. To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of netakimab (an interleukin-17 inhibitor) in hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19.

Materials and methods. A retrospective case-control study was conducted involving 171 patients. The main group (n=83) received subcutaneous netakimab (120 mg) in addition to standard therapy (hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, corticosteroids, anticoagulants). The control group (n=88) received standard treatment alone. Inclusion criteria included SpO₂≤92%, body temperature over 38°C for 3 days or more, C-reactive protein (CRP) ≥40 mg/L, and lymphopenia/leukopenia. Outcomes analyzed were changes in temperature, SpO₂/FiO₂ ratio, NEWS2 (National Early Warning Score 2), CRP levels, need for invasive/non-invasive ventilation (IMV/NIV), intensive care unit transfer, and mortality.

Results. By day 3 of therapy, the netakimab group showed statistically significant improvements in temperature (36.7°C vs. 36.9°C; p=0.01), SpO₂/FiO₂ ratio (272 vs. 266; p=0.03), NEWS2 (3 points vs. 5 points; p=0.05), and CRP reduction (29 mg/L vs. 57 mg/L; p=0.0001). However, no significant differences were observed in clinical outcomes (intensive care unit transfer, IMV/NIV need, mortality). Hospitalization duration was shorter in the main group (15 days vs. 16 days; p=0.02). Mild adverse events were reported in 57 patients in the main group and 55 in the control group.

Conclusion. Netakimab use was associated with improved oxygenation, reduced inflammatory markers, and faster fever resolution but did not impact major clinical outcomes. These findings require validation in randomized prospective trials.