DFV890: a new oral NLRP3 inhibitor-tested in an early phase 2a randomised clinical trial in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and impaired respiratory function.

Background: Coronavirus-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (CARDS) has limited effective therapy to date. NLRP3 inflammasome activation induced by SARS-CoV-2 in COVID-19 contributes to cytokine storm.

Methods: This randomised, multinational study enrolled hospitalised patients (18-80 years) with COVID-19-associated pneumonia and impaired respiratory function.