According to information from Reuters, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Wednesday that a clinical trial in 52 countries will study three anti-inflammatory drugs as possible treatments for COVID-19 patients.
The Solidarity Plus trial
This is part of a global push for coronavirus treatments among pre-existing drugs.
The Solidarity Plus trial is the world’s largest collaboration among WHO member states. Which involves thousands of researchers in more than 600 hospitals in 52 countries, the health agency said in a statement Wednesday.
WHO: What drugs are they?
“These therapies – artesunate, imatinib and infliximab – were selected by a panel of independent experts. Which were chosen for their potential to reduce the risk of death in hospitalized patients for COVID-19 “. Gavejo the body in a statement.
Artesunate is already used for severe malaria, imatinib for certain types of cancer. On the other hand, infliximab for diseases of the immune system such as Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis.
New drugs; a critical need
Previously, the trial evaluated four drugs. The results showed that remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir. Like interferon, they had little to no effect on hospitalized patients, the WHO said.
“Finding more effective and accessible treatments for Covid-19 patients remains a critical need.” CEO Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.
What medications can doctors currently use for people hospitalized with COVID-19?
Dexamethasone
Many doctors, including those in the United States, have been treating very sick COVID-19 patients with corticosteroids since the pandemic began. It makes biological sense for those patients who have developed a hyperimmune response (a cytokine storm) to the viral infection. In these cases, it is the overreaction of the immune system that damages the lungs and other organs and, all too often, leads to death.
Dexamethasone and other corticosteroids (prednisone, methylprednisolone) are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs. They are readily available and inexpensive.
Tocilizumab
The FDA has granted an emergency use authorization (EUA) for tocilizumab (Actemra) for the treatment of hospitalized adults. As well as in children 2 years and older who receive systemic corticosteroids such as dexamethasone. Which require supplemental oxygen, mechanical ventilation, or a heart device. Pulmonary bypass machine, also known as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Tocilizumab is a monoclonal antibody, already approved by the FDA to treat various autoimmune diseases.
Tocilizumab is not licensed for use in outpatients with COVID-19.
Remdesivir
In October 2020, the FDA approved the antiviral drug remdesivir to treat COVID-19. The drug can be used to treat adults and children over the age of 12 who weigh at least 88 pounds and have been hospitalized for COVID-19.
Clinical trials suggest that remdesivir may moderately speed recovery time in these patients.
Baricitinib in combination with remdesivir
In November 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Issued an Emergency Use Authorization (USA). This, for the use of baricitinib in combination with remdesivir in hospitalized adults and children older than two years who require ventilation.
However, there is still not enough evidence to support the use of this therapy instead of dexamethasone with or without remdesivir.
Anticoagulant medications (“blood thinners”)
Almost all people admitted to the hospital with COVID are given medicine to help prevent blood clots. Doctors often prescribe low-dose heparin or enoxaparin. However, some patients require full doses of blood thinners if they have already developed blood clots or are at high risk of doing so.
Doctors must always weigh the risk of dangerous bleeding when prescribing full doses.
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