Inexpensive Steroid May Reduce COVID-19 Mortality

New evidence out of Oxford University shows the use of an inexpensive steroid, dexamethasone, can decrease the number of deaths in those with COVID-19. The United Kingdom-based study found that the drug reduced deaths among one-third of those hospitalized with severe COVID-19. Dexamethasone has since been approved for the treatment of patients with COVID-19 across Britain. The researchers suggest the drug may prevent one death for every eight patients with severe illness related to the novel coronavirus. Additional research is underway. This good news follows the disappointment surrounding the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine against COVID-19. The United States Food and Drug Administration revoked the emergency authorization for these drugs on June 15, noting the lack of data showing any efficacy in treating disease related to the novel coronavirus. Read more here.