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Graphical abstract, Highlights • The survival rate is high (94% vs 72%) if tocilizumab is administered with a FiO2 ≤ 0.5%. • There are very limited side effects and secondary infections. • A significant decrease in the median serum ferritin and the median HSCRP was observed., Introduction Tocilizumab is an interleukin 6 receptor antagonist which has been used for the treatment of severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia (SSP), aiming to ameliorate the cytokine release syndrome (CRS) -induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, there are no consistent data whom might benefit most from it. Methods We provided tocilizumab on a compassionate-use basis to patients with SSP hospitalized (excluding intensive care and intubated cases) who required oxygen support to have a saturation >93%. Primary endpoint was intubation or death after 24 hours of its administration. Patients received at least one dose of 400 mg intravenous tocilizumab during March 8-2020, through April 20-2020. Results A total of 207 patients were studied and 186 analysed. The mean age was 65 years and 68% were male. A co-existing condition was present in 68 % of cases. Death prognostic factors were older age, higher IL-6, D-dimer and high sensitivity C reactive protein (HSCRP), lower total lymphocytes and severe disease requiring higher oxygen support. The primary endpoint (intubation or death) was significantly worst (37% vs 13%, p 0.5%). Conclusions Tocilizumab is well tolerated in patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, but it has a limited effect on the evolution of cases with high oxygen support needs.