EMA Expert Group Recommends Dexamethasone for COVID-19

The EMA’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has recommended that the agency authorize the use of dexamethasone in COVID-19 patients at least 12 years old who require supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation.

The recommendation was based on the results of the UK’s Recovery trial, which found that the corticosteroid reduced deaths by one-third in ventilated patients and by one-fifth in patients only receiving oxygen.

Manufacturers of dexamethasone can request the new indication be added to their product’s licenses by submitting applications to national medicines agencies or the EMA.