tocilizumab + methylprednisolone

Tocilizumab + methylprednisolone is a combination therapy used primarily for the management of severe or critical COVID-19, particularly in patients experiencing cytokine storm and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Tocilizumab is a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody that targets both soluble and membrane-bound interleukin 6 receptor (IL-6R), thereby inhibiting IL-6-mediated pro-inflammatory signaling. Methylprednisolone is a synthetic glucocorticoid corticosteroid with potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, acting through glucocorticoid receptor agonism to suppress multiple inflammatory pathways including cytokine production. The combination has been shown in clinical studies to reduce mortality rates and the need for mechanical ventilation compared with corticosteroid monotherapy in severe COVID-19 cases[1][2][3]. Tocilizumab was developed by Chugai Pharmaceutical/Roche, while methylprednisolone was originally developed by Upjohn (now part of Pfizer).

Brand names

RoActemra

Other names

none