New COVID-19 Treatments May Reduce Risk of Death by 24%, Says UK

The UK recently said it has two new ‘life-saving’ COVID-19 treatments that significantly reduce the risk of death.

What’s going on?

The UK has said it has two new treatments – tocilizumab and sarilumab – which reduce the risk of dying from COVID-19 by 24% in those taking the drug.

• Drugs often seek to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Those who took the treatment spent 10 days less in the hospital than those who didn’t, according to the study.

Matt Hancock, the country’s health secretary, said in a statement that the discovery of the new treatments was a “historic development” that would save “hundreds of lives.”

Key quote:

• “Data shows that tocilizumab, and possibly sarilumab, accelerates and improves the chances of recovery in intensive care, which is crucial to help relieve pressure on intensive care and hospitals and save lives,” said the Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, UK. deputy chief medical officer, in a statement.

Next steps:

The Department of Health and Welfare has said it will work closely with drug maker Roche, which makes tocilizumab, to help develop the vaccine, Sky News reports.