Central Alerting System
View Alert


Originator: CMO Messaging

From: CMO Messaging

Issue date: 08-Jan-2021 08:30:15

This alert has been issued to:
  • MHRA (Medicines) Drug Alerts (Various Recipients)
  • Other contacts
  • Independent Healthcare Providers (registered with CAS)
  • Clinical Commissioning Groups
  • NHS Foundation Trusts (England) - Medical Director
  • NHS Foundation Trusts (England) - Chief Executive
  • Special Health Authorities
  • NHS Trusts (England) - Medical Director
  • CMO Urgent Messages - Non-NHS Recipients on Public Health Link
  • MHRA (Medicines) Drug Alerts - Non-NHS Recipients
  • Territorial CMOs in Northern Ireland, Scotland & Wales
  • Regional Directors of Public Health
  • Consultants in Communicable Diseases
  • CMO Urgent Messages - Recipients on Public Health Link
  • Director of Public Health
  • NHS Trusts (England) - Chief Executive

Action category: Action

Title: COVID-19 Therapeutic Alert: Interleukin-6 inhibitors (tocilizumab or sarilumab) for patients admitted to ICU with COVID-19 pneumonia (adults)

Broadcast content:

The REMAP-CAP trial has reported a finding of survival and time to recovery benefits for tocilizumab or sarilumab, over and above current standard of care (including corticosteroids), in the immune modulation therapy domain of the REMAP-CAP platform trial. 

Work is now underway to develop a UK clinical commissioning policy for tocilizumab and sarilumab, which will be based on a NICE review of the available research evidence.  The policy will replace the attached Interim Position Statement.

This alert sets out immediate steps which NHS acute trusts / health boards are asked to take to support treatment of patients admitted to intensive care with COVID-19.



Additional information: This alert is not relevant to primary care.

Alert reference: CEM/CMO/2021/001

Attachments:

Contact our helpdesk

Email: safetyalerts@mhra.gov.uk

Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency