Who after British scientists announced a “scientific breakthrough” in the treatment of COVID-19

The Director General of the world health organization tedros adhanom Ghebreyesus called “scientific breakthrough” findings of British scientists about the treatment of the disease coronaviruses COVID-19 dexamethasone. The statement of Gebreyesus published on the organization’s website on June 16.

“This is the first drug that demonstrated reduced mortality among patients with COVID-19 who require mechanical ventilation and oxygen support. This is great news, and I congratulate the government of Britain, Oxford University, hospitals and patients in the UK who have contributed to this life-saving scientific breakthrough,” said who Director.

Dexamethasone – a steroid that is used since the 1960’s of years as an anti-inflammatory. It is used in particular in the treatment of cancer.

British scientists from Oxford University said that dexamethasone significantly reduces mortality from COVID-19 in patients with severe disease. The results showed that the use of the drug by a third, reduced the risk of death in patients connected to a ventilator, as well as one-fifth – those who receive oxygen therapy.

Professor Peter Horby, who led the research, called the results obtained breakthrough.

The who stressed that dexamethasone was effective only for patients who have coronavirus infection proceeded in a severe form. Dthe action of the drug on patients with a mild form of the disease was not as effective.

While the British scientists shared the preliminary results of the study, who will complete a report to update recommendations for treatment COVID-19.

Flash coronavirus infection COVID-19 began in late 2019 in China. March 11, 2020, the world health organization declared the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. According to data from the American Johns Hopkins University, the total number of infected people in the world exceeded of 8.17 million, of which more than of 3.95 million recovered 443,7 thousand died.

Special medications from COVID-19 does not exist now in this disease is only symptomatic treatment. The world health organization notedthat a number of medicines can contribute to improved well-being and relief of symptoms COVID-19, but there is no evidence that any drug to prevent or treat the disease.