The UK recently said it has two new “life-saving” COVID-19 treatments that dramatically reduce the risk of death.
What is happening?
The UK has said it has two new treatments – tocilizumab and sarilumab – that reduce the risk of dying from COVID-19 by 24% in those who use the drug.
- The drugs often seem to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
Those who took the treatment, according to the study, spent ten days less in the hospital.
Matt Hancock, the country’s health secretary, said in a statement that the discovery of the new treatments was an “important development” that would save “hundreds of lives”.
Key quote:
- “The data show that tocilizumab, and probably sarilumab, accelerates and improves the chances of recovery in intensive care, which is crucial to alleviate the pressure on intensive care and hospitals and save lives,” said Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, the British government, said. deputy chief medical officer, in a statement.
Next steps:
The Department of Health and Social Care said it is working closely with drug manufacturer Roche, which manufactures tocilizumab, to help develop the vaccine, Sky News reports.