Major breakthrough as drug trial finds cheap steroid Dexamethasone cuts coronavirus ventilator deaths by one third

Luke O'Reilly16 June 2020

Oxford researchers say a cheap and widely available drug called Dexamethasone can significantly cut Covid-19 deaths.

According to the research, Dexamethasone reduced deaths by one-third in ventilated patients and by one fifth in other patients receiving oxygen only.

However, there was no benefit among those patients who did not require respiratory support.

The researchers estimate that the drug could have saved up to 5,000 lives had it been in use from the start of the pandemic.

A total of 2104 patients were randomised to receive dexamethasone 6 mg once per day (either by mouth or by intravenous injection) for ten days and were compared with 4321 patients randomised to usual care alone.

After 28 days of normal care, 41% of those who required ventilation were dead, as were 25% of those patients who required oxygen only, and 13% of those who did not require any respiratory intervention.

Peter Horby, Professor of Emerging Infectious Diseases in the Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, and one of the Chief Investigators for the trial, said the drug should now become standard in the treatment of patients.

Professor Horby said: "Dexamethasone is the first drug to be shown to improve survival in COVID-19. This is an extremely welcome result.

"The survival benefit is clear and large in those patients who are sick enough to require oxygen treatment, so dexamethasone should now become standard of care in these patients.

"Dexamethasone is inexpensive, on the shelf, and can be used immediately to save lives worldwide."

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England’s chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said the dexamethasone trial “will save lives around the world”.

Prof Whitty said: “This is the most important trial result for Covid-19 so far.

“Significant reduction in mortality in those requiring oxygen or ventilation from a widely available, safe and well known drug.

“Many thanks to those who took part and made it happen. It will save lives around the world.”

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