Calquence (acalabrutinib), is a selective Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor currently approved in the US for the treatment of some haematological malignancies but not yet approved anywhere for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 related conditions. Now Science Immunology has published results from a study undertaken by AZ scientists, and Wyndham Wilson, M.D., Ph.D. and Louis Staudt, M.D., Ph.D. at the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health in the US which involved 19 hospitalised patients with COVID-19 disease and severe hypoxia and/or inflammation. The study suggested that Calquence reduced markers of inflammation and improved clinical outcomes of patients with severe respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

“The science supporting investigation of the use of Calquence in patients with severe COVID-19 is strong“

AZ’s Executive Vice President, Oncology R&D, José Baselga, said: “The science supporting investigation of the use of Calquence in patients with severe COVID-19 is strong. The encouraging preliminary data in this case series has informed the initiation of global phase II trials, notably the CALAVI programme. We look forward to completing recruitment and obtaining data in these trials as soon as possible to further our understanding of what this potential treatment could mean for patients.”