Abivertinib

Abivertinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeted against mutant forms of both human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK). It has been investigated for use in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and B-cell malignancies. In binding to and inhibiting EGFR and BTK receptors, abivertinib exerts immunomodulatory effects by preventing the production and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g. TNF-alpha, interleukins). Abivertinib's potential to depress cytokine production has led to its investigation in the treatment of hospitalized patients with moderate-to-severe COVID-19. The cytokine storm associated with COVID-19 is thought to contribute to disease progression and is associated with poor outcomes in patients - as abivertinib inhibits the release of multiple cytokines at once, it may provide more pronounced clinical benefits as compared to agents targeting single pathways (e.g. interleukin-6 inhibitors). The study is expected to be completed in March 2021.