Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Considerations of Alternate Dosing Strategies of Tocilizumab in COVID-19

Tocilizumab is one of few treatments that have been shown to improve mortality in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but increased demand has led to relative global shortages. Recently, it has been suggested that lower doses, or fixed doses, of tocilizumab could be a potential solution to conserve the limited global supply while conferring equivalent therapeutic benefit to the dosing regimens studied in major trials. The relationship between tocilizumab dose, exposure, and response in COVID-19 has not been adequately characterized. There are a number of pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters that likely differ between patients with severe COVID-19 and patients in whom tocilizumab was studied during the US FDA approval process. Likewise, it is unclear whether a threshold exposure is necessary for tocilizumab efficacy. The safety and efficacy of fixed versus weight-based dosing of tocilizumab has been evaluated outside of COVID-19, but it is uncertain if these observations are generalizable to severe or critical COVID-19. In the current review, we consider the potential advantages and limitations of alternative tocilizumab dosing strategies. Leveraging PK models and simulation analyses, we demonstrate that a fixed single dose of tocilizumab 400 mg is unlikely to produce PK exposures equivalent to those achieved in the REMAP-CAP trial, although weight-stratified dosing appears to produce more uniform exposure distribution. Data from current and future trials could provide PK/pharmacodynamic insight to better inform dosing strategies at the bedside. Ultimately, rational dosing strategies that balance available limited supply with patient needs are required.

Automated summary

Tocilizumab is a promising treatment for COVID-19, but global shortages have raised concerns. Alternative dosing strategies, such as fixed or lower doses, could help conserve supply without compromising therapeutic benefits. However, more research is needed to understand the relationship between tocilizumab dose, exposure, and response in COVID-19 patients.