[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Dexamethasone, an inexpensive and widely used anti-inflammatory drug, is gaining attention as test results show significant treatment effects for severe COVID-19 patients. Especially since its price is around 7,000 Korean won, making it affordable, it is expected to be widely used in many countries, raising hopes that it could become a new breakthrough in COVID-19 treatment.
According to the British BBC on the 16th (local time), a research team from the University of Oxford in the UK prescribed dexamethasone to 2,000 COVID-19 patients and compared them with over 4,000 other patients who did not receive the drug. It was found that the mortality rate of severe patients using oxygen ventilators dropped by 28-40%, and the death risk for patients receiving oxygen therapy decreased by 20-25%. There was no significant difference among mild patients. Professor Peter Horby of the University of Oxford, who led the study, said, "Dexamethasone has been confirmed to significantly reduce the mortality rate of severe COVID-19 patients," adding, "This can be seen as a major breakthrough."
Dexamethasone is originally a steroid-based anti-inflammatory drug widely used to suppress various inflammations such as arthritis. It is known to be an inexpensive drug available in the UK for about 5 pounds (approximately 7,600 Korean won). In most countries, it can be easily obtained with a doctor's prescription.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson expressed congratulations on the clinical trial results of dexamethasone during the regular COVID-19 response press conference that day. Prime Minister Johnson said, "I am pleased that the greatest breakthrough has been made by British scientists. I am proud of them," and added, "This drug will be available through the National Health Service (NHS)."
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