PM hails ‘biggest breakthrough yet’ in authorising cheap steroid dexamethasone to treat coronavirus
The successful trial of dexamethasone means the drug can be used by the NHS to treat coronavirus (PA)
2 min read
Boris Johnson has hailed the “biggest breakthrough yet” in tackling coronavirus by authorising the world’s first treatment proven to reduce the risk of death from the disease.
The Prime Minister said a Government-funded UK trial showed dexamethasone, an anti-inflammatory drug, saved lives and has been immediately approved for the NHS to treat all hospitalised Covid-19 patients who require oxygen from today.
Speaking at the daily Downing Street briefing he said the announcement was a “genuine cause to celebrate a remarkable British scientific achievement”.
The drug, commonly used to treat arthritis, was shown to cause a 20% risk reduction of death for those on oxygen, and a 35% reduction for ventilated patients in the Oxford University UK RECOVERY trial, the first anywhere in the world to show a significant impact in bringing down patient mortality.
Mr Johnson said: “The global effort to find a long term solution to the pandemic continues, whether that is through a vaccine or treatment.
“I am absolutely delighted that the biggest breakthrough yet has been made by a fantastic team of scientists here in the UK.
“I am proud of these British scientists backed by UK Government funding who have led the first robust clinical trial anywhere in the world to fine a coronavirus treatment, proven to reduce the risk of death.
“And I am very grateful to the thousands of patients in this country who volunteered for the trials. Thank you.”
The PM added: “This drug dexamethasone can now be made available across the NHS and we have taken steps to ensure we have enough supplies even in the event of a second peak.
“Of course, while the chances of dying from Covid-19 have been significantly reduced by this treatment they are still far too high, so we must redouble our research efforts and we certainly will.
“But today, I think there is genuine cause to celebrate a remarkable British scientific achievement and the benefits it will bring, not just in this country, but around the world."
The government said it bought additional stocks of dexamethasone ahead of the trial’s outcome, meaning there is already enough treatment for over 200,000 people from stockpiles alone.
It has also been added to the Government’s parallel export list, which bans companies from buying up medicines meant for UK patients and selling them on abroad for a higher price.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said of the breakthrough: “This astounding breakthrough is testament to the incredible work being done by our scientists behind the scenes.”
And deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, said: “The RECOVERY trial is an outstanding example of the UK leading the world with an impressive study capable of delivering robust answers to critical questions.”
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