GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is set to trial an investigational rheumatoid arthritis drug otilimab for the treatment of pneumonia caused by Covid-19 infection.

GSK identified the drug after screening its portfolio and pipeline for potential against Covid-19. The company acquired the rights to otilimab from German biotech firm Morphosys in 2013, noted Reuters.

According to a company spokesman, otilimab could potentially ease the effect of the coronavirus on the lungs but not suppress it directly.