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Five genes linked to severe Covid-19 cases

Five key genes are linked with the most severe form of Covid-19, according to scientists.

Researchers who studied the DNA of 2700 Covid-19 patients in 208 intensive care units across the UK found that five genes involved in two molecular processes - antiviral immunity and lung inflammation - were central to many severe cases.

Kenneth Baillie, an academic consultant in critical care medicine at Edinburgh University who co-led the research, said the results “immediately” show which drugs should be at the top of the list for clinical testing.

A nurse prepares to administer the Covid-19 vaccine as the Royal Cornwall Hospital begin their vaccination programme in Truro, United Kingdom.
A nurse at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in England prepares to administer Covid vaccine. Source: Getty Images

The genes - called IFNAR2, TYK2, OAS1, DPP9 and CCR2 - partially explain why some people become desperately sick with Covid-19, while others are not affected, Mr Baillie said.

The findings, published in the journal Nature, should help scientists speed up the search for potential drugs for Covid-19 by conducting clinical trials of medicines that target specific antiviral and anti-inflammatory pathways.

Among those with the most potential, he said, should be a class of anti-inflammatory drugs called JAK inhibitors, which includes the arthritis drug baricitinib, made by Eli Lilly.

Mr Baillie's team also found that a boost in the activity of the INFAR2 gene could create protection against Covid-19, because it is likely to mimic the effect of treatment with interferon.

Various existing drugs are being explored in clinical trials for their potential against Covid-19 including interferon-beta-1a, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist and Sanofi's arthritis drug Kevzara.

The genes identified partially explain why some people become desperately sick with Covid-19.
The genes identified partially explain why some people become desperately sick with Covid-19. Source: Getty

So far, a steroid called dexamethasone and a newly developed antiviral called remdesivir, made by Gilead, are the only drugs authorised around the world to treat Covid-19 patients - although remdesivir is not recommended for severe cases of the disease and has had mixed results in trials.

Last month, the US Food and Drug Administration approved Eli Lilly's antibody drug for Covid-19, bamlanivimab, for patients who are not hospitalised but are at risk of serious illness because of their age or other conditions.

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