Holly Van Ryssen discusses the anti-inflammatory drug found to reduce the risk of death in patients hospitalised with COVID-19.

An anti-inflammatory drug commonly used to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis has been found to reduce the risk of death in patients hospitalised with COVID-19, according to the results of a new study.

The research, which involved both the University of Exeter and the Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Trust, found that tocilizumab reduces the need for a mechanical ventilator. It also found that tocilizumab reduces the time patients must spend in the hospital before they are discharged.

“This trial is a fantastic success story. […]  I now have an extra treatment to offer to the sicker COVID-19 patient who needs oxygen and has inflammation in their lungs. I can offer this to patients knowing there is good evidence that it saves lives, shortens length of stay and reduces the need to move from a medical ward to the ITU, so less people will need to go onto a ventilator”.

Dr. Ray Sheridan, Associate Clinical Professor at the University of Exeter Medical School

Editor: Elen Johnston