A drug from Shkreli's former company Humanigen shows early promise in COVID-19

Although infection with the novel coronavirus can lead to severe pneumonia, most deaths associated with COVID-19 are caused by a complication called cytokine storm, an immune overreaction marked by the activation and release of large numbers of inflammatory molecules that can damage the lungs.

Among the many drugmakers aiming to address the syndrome to achieve better COVID-19 outcomes is Humanigen, a company briefly run by fallen “Pharma Bro” Martin Shkreli.