This was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to assess the efficacy and safety of canakinumab plus standard-of-care (SOC) compared with placebo plus SOC in patients with COVID-19-induced pneumonia and cytokine release syndrome (CRS).

This was a Phase III, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to assess the efficacy and safety of canakinumab in patients with COVID-19-induced pneumonia and cytokine release syndrome (CRS). The study enrolled patients to canakinumab or placebo, in addition to standard of care (SOC) per local practice, which may have included anti-viral treatment, corticosteroids and/or supportive care.

Patients who met the inclusion/exclusion criteria were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either canakinumab + SOC or placebo + SOC and were dosed immediately after ensuring that the patient met all eligibility criteria. Patients in the canakinumab arm were dosed on Day 1 with canakinumab 450 mg for body weight of 40-<60 kg, 600 mg for 60-80 kg or 750 mg for >80 kg in 250 mL of 5% dextrose infused IV over 2 hours. Patients in the placebo arm were administered with 250 mL of 5% dextrose infused IV over 2 hours.

The study included:

• Screening period of 0-1 day
• Study period from initial dose on Day 1 to Day 29 or hospital discharge
• Follow-up to Day 127 The primary objective was to demonstrate the benefit of canakinumab + SOC in increasing the chance of survival without ever requiring invasive mechanical ventilation among patients with COVID-19-induced pneumonia and CRS.

Key inclusion Criteria:

• Adults ≥ 18 years old (for US only: patients ≥ 12 years old, although no children ever enrolled. This was an adult trial.)
• Body weight ≥40 kg
• Informed consent must be obtained prior to participation in this study. For US patients 12 - < 18 years old; parent/guardian consent must be obtained and assent if applicable.
• Clinically diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 virus by PCR or by other approved diagnostic methodology
• Hospitalized with COVID-19-induced pneumonia evidenced by chest x-ray or CT scan with pulmonary infiltrates
• SpO2 ≤ 93% on room air or arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2)/ fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) < 300mmHg
• C-reactive protein ≥20 mg/L or ferritin level ≥600 µg/L

Key exclusion Criteria:

• History of hypersensitivity to canakinumab or to biologic drugs
• Intubated and on mechanical ventilation (invasive) at time of randomization
• Treatment with immunomodulators or immunosuppressant drugs, including but not limited to tocilizumab, TNF inhibitors and anti-IL-17 agents within 5 half-lives or 30 days (whichever is longer) prior to randomization with the exception of anakinra which is excluded within 5 half-lives only. Note: Immunomodulators (topical or inhaled) for asthma and atopic dermatitis and corticosteroids (any route of administration) are permitted.
• Suspected or known untreated active bacterial, fungal, viral, or parasitic infection with the exception of COVID-19

Novartis is committed to sharing with qualified external researchers, access to patient-level data and supporting clinical documents from eligible studies. These requests are reviewed and approved by an independent review panel on the basis of scientific merit. All data provided is anonymized to respect the privacy of patients who have participated in the trial in line with applicable laws and regulations. This trial data availability is according to the criteria and process described on www.clinicalstudydatarequest.com.