First life-saving COVID-19 drug found, experts say
UK experts say there has been a major breakthrough in the fight against COVID-19, with the introduction of a life-saving drug, Dexamethasone.
Dexamethasone has proven to be a drug that can save lives, and help in the treatment, of persons infected with COVID-19.
This follows a test of the drug to ascertain its effectiveness and possible effects when used on patients.
The BBC reports that the low-dose steroid treatment dexamethasone cut the risk of death by a third for patients on ventilators, and also cut deaths by a fifth for those on oxygen.
Researchers say almost 5,000 lives could have been saved had the drug been used to treat COVID-19 patients from the start.
Cheap and effective drug
Dexamethasone is said to be a very cheap drug and would, therefore, be affordable to poor countries across the world.
The National Health Service (NHS) says it will make dexamethasone available to patients, with the UK government confirming that it has 200,000 courses of the drug in its stockpile.
The drug has so far been used for patients who may need oxygen or mechanical ventilation while on admission.
Considering its affordability and effectiveness, Chief Medical Officer for England, Prof Chris Whitty, believes the drug will save the lives of many across the globe.
Meanwhile, dexamethasone has already proven effective in reducing inflammation in conditions like arthritis, asthma and some skin conditions.
“A remarkable British achievement”
With a first life-saving drug for COVID-19 patients found, experts say the distribution of the drug will commence soon.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson expressed his excitement at the successful trial of the drug, describing it as “a remarkable British scientific achievement.”
He said the UK government is moving to ensure that there are enough supplies of dexamethasone, should a second peak of the pandemic hit the country.
“We have taken steps to ensure we have enough supplies, even in the event of a second peak,” Johnson added.
