We recently evaluated the potential of MEK1/2 inhibitor zapnometinib, here designated as ATR-002, as a drug candidate against COVID-19 based on its direct inhibitory effect on the SARS-CoV-2 replication cycle along with a secondary beneficial inhibitory effect on the release of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines [11]. Here, MAP2K1 is linked to COVID-19.