Foistar(Camostat mesylate) associated with the significant decrease in CRP levels compared to Kaletra(Lopinavir/Ritonavir) treatment in Korean mild COVID-19 pneumonic patients.

BackgroundThere is limited information due to absence of virus titer and symptom related changes. Nonetheless, this is the first comparative study between the use of Foistar (Camostat mesilate) and Kaletra (lopinavir/ritonavir) on COVID-19 infection. MethodsPatients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection by positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing that were admitted to Seoul Medical Center (Seoul, South Korea) where is the largest public medical center in South Korea between August 1 and September 20, 2020 were included The data of the patients with pneumonia who received Foistar (Foistar group) during their hospitalization period were primarily collected, and the patients who received Kaletra (Kaletra group) during their hospitalization period were matched to have a similar age group to that of Foistar group so that three times the number of Foistar group patients were randomly selected into Kaletra group and their body temperature, CRP level, WBC count, and event of diarrhea were collected, accordingly. ResultsA total of 29 patients (7 Foistar group and 22 Kaletra group) was included. The median age was 69, and all had mild COVID-19 (WHO ordinal scale 3 or 4) on admission. 6 patients out of 7 patients (85.71%) from Foistar group who exhibited elevated CRP levels (CRP >0.4mg/dL) on admission have controlled their CRP levels to the normal range. In Kaletra group, 11 out of 18 patients (61.11%) have controlled their CRP levels to the normal range, and only 1 of 2 patients (50.00%) who had normal CRP level has maintained his or her normal CRP level. The difference in the white blood cell counts was not significant between two groups. None of the patients in the study had hyperkalemia. ConclusionThis study has found a probable association of controlling inflammatory reactions and fever in COVID-19 patients with Foistar (camostat mesilate) use. In addition, there was no significant adverse drug event found from this study upon the Foistar use. These results may encourage the use of Foistar as a treatment option for the patients with mild to moderate COVID-19.