A drug used for rheumatoid arthritis can be effective in treating patients with Covid-19 in intensive care, early trial results suggest.
Tocilizumab suppresses the immune system and reduces inflammation. The early findings are yet to be published in a peer-reviewed journal but the government has welcomed the “fantastic news”.
Professor Anthony Gordon, chairman in anaesthesia and critical care at Imperial College London, said: “These early findings show that treatment with this immune-modulating drug is effective for critically ill Covid-19 patients in intensive care units.
“When we have the results available from all participants, we hope our findings will offer clear guidance to clinicians for improving the outcomes of the sickest Covid-19 patients.”
Results from previous studies on the effect of tocilizumab on Covid-19 patients has
