Background In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of tocilizumab in adult patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 with both hypoxia and systemic inflammation. Methods This randomised, controlled, open-label, platform trial (Randomised Evaluation of COVID-19 Therapy [RECOVERY]), is assessing several possible treatments in patients hospitalised with COVID-19 in the UK. Those trial participants with hypoxia (oxygen saturation <92% on air or requiring oxygen therapy) and evidence of systemic inflammation (C-reactive protein ≥75 mg/L) were eligible for random assignment in a 1:1 ratio to usual standard of care alone versus usual standard of care plus tocilizumab at a dose of 400 mg–800 mg (depending on weight) given intravenously. A second dose could be given 12–24 h later if the patient's condition had not improved. The primary outcome was 28-day mortality, assessed in the intention-to-treat population. The trial is registered with ISRCTN (50189673) and ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT04381936 ). Findings Between April 23, 2020, and Jan 24, 2021, 4116 adults of 21 550 patients enrolled into the RECOVERY trial were included in the assessment of tocilizumab, including 3385 (82%) patients receiving systemic corticosteroids. Overall, 621 (31%) of the 2022 patients allocated tocilizumab and 729 (35%) of the 2094 patients allocated to usual care died within 28 days (rate ratio 0·85; 95% CI 0·76–0·94; p=0·0028). Consistent results were seen in all prespecified subgroups of patients, including those receiving systemic corticosteroids. Patients allocated to tocilizumab were more likely to be discharged from hospital within 28 days (57% vs 50%; rate ratio 1·22; 1·12–1·33; p<0·0001). Among those not receiving invasive mechanical ventilation at baseline, patients allocated tocilizumab were less likely to reach the composite endpoint of invasive mechanical ventilation or death (35% vs 42%; risk ratio 0·84; 95% CI 0·77–0·92; p<0·0001). Interpretation In hospitalised COVID-19 patients with hypoxia and systemic inflammation, tocilizumab improved survival and other clinical outcomes. These benefits were seen regardless of the amount of respiratory support and were additional to the benefits of systemic corticosteroids. Funding UK Research and Innovation (Medical Research Council) and National Institute of Health Research.

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We have isolated cDNA clones to two isoforms of granule-bound starch synthase (GBSS) from pea embryos and potato tubers. The sequences of both isoforms are related to that of glycogen synthase from E. coli and one, GBSSI, is very similar to the waxy protein of maize and other species. In pea, GBSSII carries a novel 203-amino-acid domain at its N-terminus. Genes encoding both proteins are expressed during pea embryo development, but GBSSII is most highly expressed earlier in development than GBSSI. Similarly, GBSSI and GBSSII are differentially expressed in developing potato tubers. Expression of both isoforms is much lower in other organs of pea than in embryos. GBSSII is expressed in every organ tested while GBSSI is not expressed in roots, stipules or flowers. The possible consequences of this differential use of GBSS isoforms are discussed.

We have isolated cDNA clones to two isoforms of granule-bound starch synthase (GBSS) from pea embryos and potato tubers. The sequences of both isoforms are related to that of glycogen synthase from E. coli and one, GBSSI, is very similar to the waxy protein of maize and other species. In pea, GBSSII carries a novel 203-amino-acid domain at its N-terminus. Genes encoding both proteins are expressed during pea embryo development, but GBSSII is most highly expressed earlier in development than GBSSI. Similarly, GBSSI and GBSSII are differentially expressed in developing potato tubers. Expression of both isoforms is much lower in other organs of pea than in embryos. GBSSII is expressed in every organ tested while GBSSI is not expressed in roots, stipules or flowers. The possible consequences of this differential use of GBSS isoforms are discussed.