Abstract BACKGROUND: Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and dysregulated myeloid cell responses are implicated in the pathophysiology and severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods: In this randomised, sequential, multicentre, placebo-controlled, double-blind study, adults aged 18-79 years (Part 1) or ≥70 years (Part 2) with severe COVID-19, respiratory failure, and systemic inflammation (elevated C-reactive protein/ferritin) received a single intravenous infusion of otilimab 90 mg (human anti-GM-CSF monoclonal antibody) plus standard care (NCT04376684). The primary outcome was the proportion of patients alive and free of respiratory failure at Day 28.

Results: In Part 1 (N=806 randomised 1:1 otilimab:placebo), 71% of otilimab-treated patients were alive and free of respiratory failure at Day 28 versus 67% who received placebo; the model-adjusted difference of 5.3% was not statistically significant (95% CI -0.8, 11.4; p=0.09). A nominally significant model-adjusted difference of 19.1% (95% CI 5.2, 33.1; p=0.009) was observed in the predefined 70-79 years subgroup, but this was not confirmed in Part 2 (N=350 randomised) where the model-adjusted difference was 0.9% (95% CI -9.3, 11.2; p=0.86). Compared with placebo, otilimab resulted in lower serum concentrations of key inflammatory markers, including the putative pharmacodynamic biomarker CCL17, indicative of GM-CSF pathway blockade. Adverse events were comparable between groups and consistent with severe COVID-19.

Conclusions: There was no significant difference in the proportion of patients alive and free of respiratory failure at Day 28. However, despite the lack of clinical benefit, a reduction in inflammatory markers was observed with otilimab, in addition to an acceptable safety profile.