Baricitinib Therapy in Covid-19 Pneumonia — An Unmet Need Fulfilled

Abstract

The clinical course of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) is characterized by an initial stage with mild symptoms of the upper respiratory tract. During this stage, the viral load of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) peaks, with progressive lowering afterward.¹ After 7 or 8 days, in 20% of patients the disease progresses to bilateral pneumonia with dyspnea, a reduction in oxygen saturation, and a need for supplemental oxygen. This second stage is characterized by a massive immune response with subsequent worsening of lung damage,² respiratory failure that may require invasive mechanical ventilation, and multiorgan dysfunction.^1-3 To date, the antiviral remdesivir and the antiinflammatory dexamethasone are considered the best treatment options for Covid-19 pneumonia.^4,5