A Comparative Study of the Effects of Combination of Interferon-Gamma, and Vitamin C With Control Group (Kaletra) on the Recovery of Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients and Cytokine Storm

Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has been a major global challenge since late 2019, leading to numerous deaths worldwide, primarily through the formation of cytokine storms. This study aimed to investigate the use of an anti-interferon-gamma antibody that targets both immunomodulation and macrophage enhancement to increase phagocytosis of the virus, reduce recovery time, and minimize side effects of the disease. Materials and Methods: In an open-label, phase 2 trial, 60 patients with positive SARS-CoV-2 results were randomly divided into two groups. The Gamma-C group received three doses of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) 200 mcg/0.5 mL (2 million I.U. per 0.5 mL) on alternate days, and one dose of vitamin C (500 mg/5 mL) every 8 hours for 7 days. The control group was treated with a routine protocol that included Kaletra (lopinavir 200 mg and ritonavir 50 mg), two tablets every 12 hours, and vitamin C (500 mg/5 mL) every 8 hours. Results: The results showed a significantly reduced interleukin profile, rapid balancing of hematology and radiological results, no death outcomes, and a significantly shorter hospital stay compared with the control group. Conclusions: This study highlights the potential of utilizing an anti-interferon-gamma antibody along with vitamin C supplementation as a treatment strategy for SARS-CoV-2 infection. The combination therapy demonstrated significant benefits, including reduced cytokine profile, rapid improvement in hematological and radiological parameters, absence of fatalities, and shorter hospital stays. These findings suggest the potential effectiveness of this approach in mitigating the severity and improving outcomes in COVID-19 patients.