Tocilizumab doesn't ease symptoms or prevent death in moderately ill COVID-19 inpatients

(Massachusetts General Hospital) The drug tocilizumab (Actemra) does not reduce the need for breathing assistance with mechanical ventilation or prevent death in moderately ill hospitalized patients with COVID-19, according to a study by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, casts doubt on earlier research suggesting that tocilizumab, which is commonly prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions, might be an effective treatment for patients with worsening cases of COVID-19.
Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news