How Blackpool researchers and Covid patients helped with major dexamethasone treatment breakthrough

It puts the resort at the heart of a breakthrough that has had global significance since being announced yesterday – with a cheap steroid now being given to seriously ill coronavirus patients to save their lives.

Jason Cupitt, the doctor in charge of the Vic’s Covid intensive care unit, led the trial at the Vic, and said he was “surprised” at how effective the drug is – cutting the risk of death by a third for patients on ventilators, and a fifth for those on oxygen.

He said: “The study started in April and here we are, two months later, and dexamethasone is being used in hospitals. That is unheard of.

“Credit must go locally to our research nurses and doctors who worked very hard, helping to identify patients for this trial who were suitable. I must admit, I was skeptical at first, but have been delighted at the results.

“This is not a new drug, but a drug that has been around for 50 years. We have used it in anaesthesia to stop sickness and to reduce swelling or inflammation in some conditions. It is a useful and widely available drug.

“We were surprised and delighted when it was realised the drug would be beneficial to some Covid patients, and very pleased to have been part of the team nationally that made this breakthrough.”

Around 200,000 courses of the drug have been stockpiled, with all hospitals told to use it, Health Secretary Matt Hancock, inset left, said.

He added: “This is a huge step forward. And it’s because we backed the science, and because we’ve taken the approach that’s guided by the science, that we’ve been able to deliver this result.”

A course of the drugs involves a six milligram dose, once a day, which can either be given by mouth or by injection.

“I want to thank the NHS and the 6,000 patients who took part in a clinical study, and my own team led by Professor Jonathan van Tam,” Mr Hancock said. “They’ve done an absolutely brilliant job.”