Steroid dexamethasone praised as ‘major breakthrough’ in coronavirus fight after trial indicates it can save lives

A prominent steroid is being praised as a “major breakthrough” in the coronavirus fight after a new trial indicated the drug can save the lives of seriously ill patients.

The RECOVERY trial, which released its results Tuesday, showed that dexamethasone lowered the death rate in badly sick patients by about third, according to Reuters.

“This is a result that shows that if patients who have COVID-19 and are on ventilators or are on oxygen are given dexamethasone, it will save lives, and it will do so at a remarkably low cost,” said Martin Landray, a co-leader on the trial.

The steroid is commonly used to reduce inflammation in patients battling other illnesses….more

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