Covid, Ema evaluates drug for patients in supplementary oxygen therapy

The European Medicines Agency Ema has started the evaluation of an application to extend the use of baricitinib (Olumiant *), to include the treatment of Covid-19 in patients from 10 years of age who need supplemental oxygen therapy. It is an immunosuppressant currently licensed for use in adults with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis or atopic dermatitis (eczema). Baricitinib blocks the action of enzymes called Janus kinases, which play an important role in the immune processes that cause inflammation. The idea is that it could also help reduce the inflammation and tissue damage associated with the severe form of Covid-19.