A low-cost and commonly available drug can help seriously ill patients with COVID-19 to save their lives. The researchers have found the drug- dexamethasone to be beneficial in fighting the virus SARS-CoV-2. The clinical trial took place in the United Kingdom in which it reduced the deaths by about one-third in patients on ventilators.
What is dexamethasone?
A class of steroid-drug that has anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant effects. It helps to reduce inflammation by mimicking anti-inflammatory hormones produced by the body.
How does the drug work?
The Coronavirus infection activates the process of inflammation as the body tries to fight the virus. However, the intensification of the immune system can be fatal- The system is meant to protect from infection but ends up attacking the cells of our own body. Dexamethasone soothes this overload of reactions. The drug is only prescribed for people who are already infected and receiving oxygen or mechanical ventilation - the most unwell but doesn’t work on people with milder symptoms.
The Dexamethasone trials?
The trial called "RECOVERY" consisted of around 2,100 patients administered with a 6mg daily dose of dexamethasone for 10 days and analyzed the recovery with random samples of 4,300 patients who were without any additional treatment.
According to the finding, the drug can prevent one in every three deaths among patients on ventilators and one death in five for patients on oxygen support. However, it was insignificant for patients without respiratory support.
Availability of the drug?
As of now, the only antiviral drug remdesivir has shown benefit to COVID-19 that shortens the duration of time for patients in the hospital, but no significant effect on their deaths. It is short in supply chain and complex to administer- injected. But in contrast to remdesivir, dexamethasone can be bought over the counter just like a staple.
The UK government has already announced authorized use of dexamethasone for patients with COVID-19 on ventilators and those who need oxygen.