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Worldwide demand for the steroid drug dexamethasone has surged since a UK-based study last week found that it could help reduce the risk of death among hospitalized Covid-19 patients requiring ventilation or oxygen, according to the World Health Organization.
"Demand has already surged, following the trial results showing dexamethasone's clear benefit," WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said during a news briefing in Geneva today.
When the preliminary study results were announced last week, WHO said that it welcomed the clinical trial results. The findings are still being compiled and have not published in a peer-reviewed journal.
"Although the data is still preliminary, the recent finding that the steroid dexamethasone has life-saving potential for critically ill Covid-19 patients gave us a much-needed reason to celebrate," Tedros said.
"The next challenge is to increase production and rapidly and equitably distribute dexamethasone worldwide, focusing on where it is needed most," Tedros added. "Fortunately, this is an inexpensive medicine and there are many dexamethasone manufacturers worldwide, who we are confident can accelerate production."
Remember: Tedros said that while the drug was shown to have benefit for the sickest Covid-19 patients, no benefit was found among those with mild disease.
"WHO emphasizes that dexamethasone should only be used for patients with severe or critical Covid-19 , under close clinical supervision," Tedros said. "There is no evidence this drug works for patients with mild disease or as a preventive measure, and it could cause harm."