Arthritis drug shows benefit for hospitalized patients with COVID-19

In a United Kingdom study with more than 2,000 patients, Roche’s drug tocilizumab showed benefit for hospitalized COVID-19 patients with low oxygen levels and significant inflammation. Only 29% of the patients taking Tocilizumab, an intravenous anti-inflammatory monoclonal antibody used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, died within 28 days compared with 33% for patients in the usual care group. The drug also shortened the time to recovery and reduced the need for mechanical ventilation. Most of the patients in the study were also taking a systemic steroid. (Reuters article, 2/11/21)