Lilly Begins Phase 3 Clinical Trial of COVID-19 Treatment

A patient in Indianapolis who was diagnosed and hospitalized with COVID-19
is the first person in a global study to be evaluated for the effectiveness
of a rheumatoid arthritis medication against the respiratory disease.

Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly and Co. (NYSE: LLY) says the FDA-approved drug
baricitinib, which is marketed as Olumiant, is now entering a phase 3
clinical trial.

The company expects to enroll 400 patients who are hospitalized with the
disease which is caused by the coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2.

“Lilly is committed to fighting this global pandemic, and this includes
testing whether existing medicines including baricitinib could help treat
the complications of COVID-19 in patients,” said Patrik Jonsson, Lilly
senior vice president and president of Lilly Bio-Medicines. “This randomized
controlled study is an important step in our understanding of baricitinib as
a potential COVID-19 treatment.”

Researchers will evaluate if the drug might have not only an antiviral
impact but also an anti-inflammatory effect on COVID-19 patients whose
immune systems may be compromised.

The study will be conducted in the U.S., Europe and Latin America and
includes patients hospitalized with the infection but do not require a
mechanical ventilator.

Lilly is working with Community Health Network in Indianapolis, which is one
of the first sites taking part in the study.

“While the approach to addressing COVID-19 continues to evolve, we’re
pleased to partner with Lilly in this trial to assess baricitinib’s
potential in the fight against COVID-19 and look forward to learning more
about its impact on patients,” said Dr. Patrick Milligan of Community Health
Network.

The drug is approved in 70 countries as a treatment for adults with
moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis.

Lilly says data from this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
is expected in the next few months.

Source: Inside Indiana Business with Gerry Dick

Photo courtesy of Eli Lilly & Co.