Cancer and a viral infections wouldn't seem to have much in common, but Incyte (NASDAQ: INCY) is testing its blood cancer drug Jakafi in patients with COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus.
The connection is that Jakafi helps patients with a blood cancers by inhibiting immune cells -- and some of the most deleterious effects of COVID-19 come from the immune system, which can go haywire while attacking the coronavirus and attack the patients' own cells. The immune system has a positive-feedback loop -- perpetuated by molecules called cytokines -- which can result in what's called a cytokine storm if the immune system isn't put in check.
Other companies with drugs that treat autoimmune diseases, such as Regeneron (NASDAQ: REGN) and Sanofi's (NASDAQ: SNY) Kevzara and Roche Holding's (OTC: RHHBY) Actemra are also being tested for their ability to dampen the immune complications in COVID-19 patients.