Revista Cubana de Medicina Militar (Oct 2020)

CIGB-258 immunomodulatory peptide for the treatment of critical and severe COVID-19 patients

  • Rafael Venegas Rodríguez,
  • Rubén Peña Ruiz,
  • Raúl Santana Sánchez,
  • Mónica Bequet-Romero,
  • Mabel Hernández-Cedeño,
  • Beatriz Santiesteban Licea,
  • Ariana García,
  • Pedro Rafel Aroche de Dios,
  • Daniela Oliva Pérez,
  • Leticia Rosario Cruz,
  • Idelsis Esquivel Moynelo,
  • Maura García Sánchez,
  • Gillian Martínez-Donato,
  • Gerardo Guillén-Nieto,
  • María del Carmen Domínguez Horta

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 49, no. 4
pp. e0200926 – e0200926

Abstract

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Introduction: CIGB-258 is an immunomodulatory peptide with anti-inflammatory properties. Objectives: To establish the therapeutic schedule with CIGB-258 peptide for COVID-19 critically ill patients. In addition, to define the criteria for use and schedule of this peptide for COVID-19 seriously ill patients. Methods: 9 critically ill patients and 3 seriously ill patients were included in this study. Clinical, radiological and laboratory evaluations were recorded according to the established protocol. Serum samples were obtained before and after treatment with CIGB-258, for the determination of the inflammation biomarkers. Results: The therapeutic protocol was established with the CIGB-258 peptide, which consists of intravenous administration of 1 mg of peptide every 12 hours for critically ill patients. The dose should be increased to 2 mg every 12 hours, for patients who do not show clinical and radiological improvement in 24 hours. After extubation, patients should receive 1 mg of CIGB-258 daily, for another three days. Seriously ill patients should receive 1 mg of CIGB-258 every 12 hours, until their clinical condition resolves. Conclusions: CIGB-258 showed an excellent safety profile. The established therapeutic protocol contributed to all critically ill patients recovering from respiratory distress and being extubated. Seriously ill patients improved considerably. The levels of the biomarkers associated with hyperinflammation and cytokines decreased significantly during treatment.

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