The dysregulation of inflammatory response associated with COVID-19 requiring hospitalization has been suggested to be a potential target of monoclonal antibodies. Tocilizumab and sarilumab are monoclonal humanized antibodies directed against the IL-6 receptor.

During severe COVID-19, tocilizumab appears to have demonstrated efficacy by reducing mortality. However, there does not appear to be a class effect as sarilumab failed to demonstrate any similar benefit, although there is a broad discrepancy between studies that is still not explained.

No study has focused on the safety of tocilizumab in acute, infection-associated inflammatory response.