In the UK, the preliminary results of the clinical trial demonstrated that dexamethasone (a corticosteroid) can be lifesaving for individuals who are severely infected with SARS-CoV-2. The WHO (World Health Organization) has welcomed the UK preliminary results.

Since the 1960s, dexamethasone has been used to mitigate inflammation in numerous inflammatory disorders and certain cancers. Since 1977, the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines has listed dexamethasone in several formulations. Currently, it is economically available in most countries and is off-patent.

According to preliminary findings shared with WHO, the treatment was shown to diminish mortality by about one third for patients on ventilators. On the other hand, the mortality was cut by about one fifth for patients requiring only oxygen.

The benefit was only witnessed in patients critically infected with the coronavirus. However, it was not noted in people with milder disease. This is the first treatment that has illustrated diminished mortality in COVID-19 infected individuals requiring oxygen or ventilator support.

The researchers have shared the initial insights about the trial results with WHO. In the coming few days, the full data analysis is expected. WHO will coordinate a meta-analysis to enhance the overall knowledge of this intervention. The clinical guidance of WHO will be upgraded to demonstrate when and how the drug should be utilized in SARS-CoV-2 infected people.

In mid-February, the WHO Research & Development Blueprint meeting was conducted in Geneva to expedite health technologies for COVID-19. In this meeting, further research into the utilization of steroids was emphasized as a priority. The findings have boosted up the relevance of large randomized trials that generate actionable evidence.

To effectively deal with COVID-19 pandemic, WHO will continue to work together with all partners to create lifesaving vaccines and other therapeutic drugs including under the umbrella of the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator.