1. Mayoclinic - https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/clofazimine-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20063096?p=1


University of California, Santa Cruz

Clofazimine, an FDA-approved drug traditionally used to treat leprosy, is undergoing clinical evaluation as a potential repurposed treatment for COVID-19.

Clofazimine as a Treatment for COVID-19

Expected to be completed by September 2021, the University of Hong Kong is currently conducting a Phase II study to determine the safety of using clofazimine when combined with interferon beta-1b (an immunosuppressive drug used to reduce relapse-remitting symptoms for disease like multiple sclerosis).  

For each trial, patients who have tested positive will be randomly assigned to one of three groups. The first group will be in a three-day course with one daily dose of interferon beta-1b for all three days, along with two doses of clofazimine on day one and one dose of clofazimine on day one and two daily doses of clofazimine on day two. The second group will be in a three-day course of two doses of clofazimine on day one and one dose of clofazimine on days two and three. The third group will be the control group and will only receive standard care throughout the three days.


Clinical Study: University of Hong Kong (September 2021 Completion)

Clofazimine, a functional inhibitor of acid sphingomyelinase (FIASMA), completes its functions by binding to the guanine bases of bacterial DNA, blocking the template function of the DNA, and thus, creating actions that prevent bacterial reproduction.


Mode of Action

The antimicrobial properties of clofazimine are attributed to its interaction with bacterial membrane phospholipids, leading to membrane-destabilizing effects among lysophospholipids. This interferes with cellular respiration, reduces ATP production, and limits bacterial reproduction and host interaction. Additionally, clofazimine exhibits anti-inflammatory activities by inhibiting the activation and proliferation of T-cells, which are often a source of inflammation during immune responses.

Mechanism of Action of Clofazimine

A study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that clofazimine, when used with remdesivir, may help block COVID-19 infections [1]. Dr. Francis Collins, NIH director, stated that clofazimine may reduce the number of SARS-CoV-2 infected cells by 65% to 85% [1].

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