Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB (Sobi) (STO:SOBI), a specialised international biopharmaceutical company focused on treatment of rare diseases, announced on Wednesday that it will commence a short-term clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of anakinra and emapalumab in the treatment of hyper-inflammatory syndrome, one of the most serious complications associated with severe COVID-19 disease.

Reportedly, this is in response to a request from the National Institute for Infectious Diseases, the organisation which is acting as the coordinating site for the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Italy.

These products, which are currently used in the treatment of rare diseases, have been considered for investigation as a result of emerging data and observations made by Italian physicians treating patients with COVID-19. A summary of the study protocol will be published on clinicaltrials.gov.

Patients who are treated or who may need treatment with emapalumab and anakinra for approved indications will not be impacted, the company added.

Sobi provides sustainable access to innovative therapies in the areas of haematology, immunology and specialty indications.