The World Health Organisation (WHO) approved two new COVID-19 treatments on Friday. Read to know more about how they will help in controlling the spike in case.
Remedy for COVID-19 as cases are on the rise
Coronavirus infections are on the rise across the world. To counter the threat imposing the world by COVID-19 and its variant, experts are on the lookout for ways to control it. The approval of treatments comes as several nations are observing a ruse in cases fulled by Omicron. The new therapy recommendations by the WHO are based on new data from clinical trials. “Now, arthritis drug baricitinib used with corticosteroids to treat severe or critical COVID-19 patients led to better survival rates and reduced need for ventilators,” stated WHO experts in the study.
“The Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor baricitinib, which is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, is strongly recommended for patients with severe or critical COVID-19 in combination with corticosteroids, an expert group from the World Health Organization has written in The BMJ,” stated the study. Additionally, experts are recommending Sotrovimab, a synthetic antibody treatment for people who have non-serious covid. It is recommended for people with a higher risk for hospitalization. it can be due to age, immunodeficiency, or chronic illness. However, its effectiveness against omicron and newer variants are “uncertain” at the moment.
WHO recommends new COVID-19 treatments:
Currently, the WHO has approved three COVID-19 treatments. The first in September 2020, was using corticosteroids for treating severely ill patients. It is an inexpensive and easy-to-access treatment. The remedy helps in reducing and fighting inflammation that is common in severe cases. Later in July, the WHO also endorsed tocilizumab and sarilumab, two arthritis drugs. The IL-6 inhibitors aid by suppressing the overreaction of the immune system.
Baricitinib, a type of Janus kinase inhibitor is also a choice. However, they also follow the same guidelines as the previously recommended IL-6 inhibitors. According to the guidelines, “when both are available, choose one based on issues including cost and clinician experience”. The use of Regeneron, another synthetic antibody treatment got the WHO approval. Both synthetic antibody medications follow the same guidelines.