A case series published in Immunotherapy indicated that nimotuzumab may be associated with modulation of hyperinflammation and prevention of fibrosis in COVID-19 patients. Investigators aimed to determine the preliminary safety and effect of nimotuzumab (a humanized anti-epidermal growth factor receptor [EGFR] antibody) in individuals with real time-polymerase chain reaction confirmed coronavirus infection.

Nimotuzumab was utilized to manage 3 people suffering from moderate or severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. The antibody was given in combination with other drugs incorporated in the national COVID-19 protocol.

Nimotuzumab displayed a good safety profile. Moreover, nimotuzumab infusion decreased the concentration of interleukin-6, a vital inflammatory marker. Following  nimotuzumab therapy,  a drop in the levels of other inflammatory markers (ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase, c-reactive protein, and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio) was also noted.

After nimotuzumab administration, remarkable improvements in clinical symptoms were noted. The computed tomography scans at discharge revealed major resolution of the lung lesions without any signs of fibrosis. Thus, rapid clinical and radiological improvements were noted in nimotuzumab-treated patients.