Janus kinase inhibitors, Baricitinib , Ruxolitinib,Tofacitinib in newer regimes for covid treatment

12 May, 2021

Kinase Inhibitors: Baricitinib and Other Janus Kinase Inhibitors, and Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors

Janus Kinase Inhibitors

The kinase inhibitors are proposed as treatments for COVID-19 because they can prevent phosphorylation of key proteins involved in the signal transduction that leads to immune activation and inflammation (e.g., the cellular response to proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin [IL]-6).¹ Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors interfere with phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins^2,3 that are involved in vital cellular functions, including signaling, growth, and survival.

Immunosuppression induced by this class of drugs could potentially reduce the inflammation and associated immunopathologies observed in patients with COVID-19. Additionally, JAK inhibitors, particularly baricitinib, have theoretical direct antiviral activity through interference with viral endocytosis, potentially preventing entry into and infection of susceptible cells.
They are known to decrease IL6 mediated in the cytokine storm and cellular damage that occures in covid.
However an article in european respiratory journal cautioned and recommended vigilance to the potentially increased thrombotic risk associated with JAKi, given the hypercoagulability of COVID-19 and our recent thromboprophylaxis recommendations for all hospitalised patients with COVID-19.  https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/early/2020/07/02/13993003.01919-2020"

Publisher: Dr.Venkat | rangalakshmii netralaya