Dexamethasone: low-cost drug helps prevent deaths of sickest coronavirus patients
Trial shows steroid responsible for survival of one in eight Covid-19 patients on ventilatorsCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverage
A cheap steroid has become the first life-saving treatment in the Covid-19 pandemic, described by scientists as “a major breakthrough” and raising hopes for the survival of thousands of the most seriously ill.
Dexamethasone is available from any hospital pharmacy, and easily obtainable anywhere in the world. Investigators said the drug was responsible for the survival of one in eight of the sickest patients – those who were on ventilators – in the Recovery trial, the biggest randomised, controlled trial of coronavirus treatments in the world.
The government announced immediate approval for the use of the drug in Covid-19 patients.
