On Sept. 1, 2020, City of Hope announced that it was investigating an innovative treatment for cancer patients with COVID-19 by repurposing leflunomide, an anti-inflammatory drug for rheumatoid arthritis that is inexpensive and has few serious side effects, in a new clinical trial.

Patients treated for cancer in the past two years may also be eligible. The FDA approved the start of a phase 1 trial.