Can an arthritis drug tame severe COVID-19?
NCT ID NCT04412772
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested the drug tocilizumab (Actemra) in hospitalized adults with severe COVID-19 and signs of inflammation. Participants received either the drug or a placebo, with the goal of improving clinical status by day 28. The trial was terminated early after enrolling only 20 of the planned 300 patients, limiting what can be concluded.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
tocilizumab (Actemra)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could provide a treatment option for severe COVID-19 by reducing inflammation and improving recovery.
What could go wrong
The trial was terminated early with only 20 participants, so results are limited. Tocilizumab may not work for all patients and carries risks like infection.
Disclaimer
Read more
Show less
This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for COVID-19 are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Locations
-
Queen's Medical Center
Honolulu, Hawaii, 96813, United States