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British Announce 'Major Breakthrough' in COVID-19 Treatment

Jamie Dettmer

   British scientists announced Tuesday a major coronavirus breakthrough,
   saying a cheap, readily-available steroid can prevent deaths from
   COVID-19.

   Scientists from Britain's University of Oxford say in a trial the drug
   dexamethasone reduced death rates by 35% for patients on ventilators,
   and by 20% for less immediately critical patients needing oxygen.
   PeterHorby,theacademicleadingthe trial, told a Downing Street press
   conference, "what we saw was really quite remarkable."
   Standing by his side,Prime Minister Boris Johnsonlauded the trial,
   hailing it as the "biggest breakthrough yet" in treating COVID-19.
   "I am proud of these British scientists, backed by UK government
   funding, who have led the first, robust clinical trial anywhere in the
   world to find a coronavirus treatment proven to reduce the risk of
   death,"Horbysaid. Johnson added, "we have taken steps to ensure we have
   enough supplies, even in the event of a second peak."

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