The EU Medicines Agency (EMA) has given the go-ahead for the treatment of severe Covid-19 cases with the arthritis drug tocilizumab. On Monday, the Amsterdam-based authority recommended the use of the agent from the group of monoclonal antibodies in Covid-19 patients who are additionally supplied with oxygen and receive so-called systemic steroid therapies. The EU Commission now has to formally approve the EMA’s recommendation.
SN/APA/AFP/SEBASTIEN BOZON
Roche drug approved in the EU for Covid treatment
A study with more than 4,000 participants showed that tocilizumab reduced the risk of death in seriously ill corona patients, the EMA said. Accordingly, patients treated with the drug had to stay in hospital less long. It is important, however, that the immune system is administered in combination with corticosteroids.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the USA have long recommended the use of tocilizumab in particularly seriously ill corona patients. Tocilizumab is marketed by Roche in Europe under the name RoActemra. Approved for the treatment of adult and minor arthritis patients, it is administered intravenously or by syringe.
Accessed on December 6th, 2021 at 8:03 am on https://www.sn.at/panorama/international/arthritis-medikament-gegen-covid-19-in-der-eu-zugelassen-113630575