Thousands more NHS patients hospitalised with Covid-19 to get tocilizumab treatment
Following the publication of study findings showing tocilizumab reduced risk of death in patients hospitalised with Covid-19, the government has announced that thousands more NHS patients will be able to receive treatment, with updated guidance due to be published next week.
Source:
Department of Health and Social Care
SPS commentary:
A preliminary analysis from the RECOVERY platform trial (n=4116), published as a pre-print (not yet peer-reviewed), found fewer patients allocated to treatment with tocilizumab died within 28 days (29% v 33% usual care; rate ratio 0.86; 95% CI 0.77-0.96; p=0.007); other clinical outcomes were also improved.
Currently, an interim Clinical Commissioning Policy recommends tocilizumab be made available as a treatment option through routine commissioning for adults hospitalised with confirmed COVID-19, if they are treated within 24 hrs of commencement of respiratory support.
The government has announced that updated guidance will be sent to NHS trusts and clinicians on Monday, recommending they use this drug for hospitalised patients who may benefit from the treatment.