Prognosis

Arthritis Drug Seen Helping Covid-19 Patients in Small Study

  • Retrospective study suggests benefit from anti-inflammatory
  • Drug sold by Sweden’s Sobi as Kineret for rheumatoid arthritis
Photographer: Nathan Howard/Bloomberg
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A drug for rheumatoid arthritis appeared to help improve lung function in hospitalized Covid-19 patients, a positive sign for treating those with severe inflammation in their organs.

Treatment with anakinra, sold by Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB as Kineret, was associated with a 90% survival rate and reduced respiratory symptoms, according to an observational study of 29 patients published Thursday in the Lancet Rheumatology journal.