(WFXR) — The World Health Organization (WHO) added a monoclonal antibody to its list of prequalified treatments for COVID on Friday.
WHO added tocilizumab to its prequalified treatments. According to the organization’s website, “Tocilizumab is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits the Interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor. Interleukin-6 induces an inflammatory response and is found in high levels in patients critically ill with COVID-19.”
Clinical studies showed that it reduced death in certain patients who were severely ill with COVID, have an increasing need for oxygen, and had a significant inflammatory response. The study also showed that it helped reduce the time patients spent in the hospital.
Health officials state that this treatment option should only be given intravenously by a healthcare worker in a hospital setting where the patient can be monitored.
Tocilizumab has been used for the treatment of arthritis, according to health officials.
WHO reported that since Feb. 11, there have been six COVID-19 treatments that have been prequalified by the organization — including three vials of tocilizumab.
