A research study conducted by the Israeli Teaching and Research Institute, which is linked to the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, reveals that the administration of the drug tofacitinib showed a 37% reduction in the risk of death and respiratory failure in patients hospitalized because of Covid-19.
Marketed as Xeljanz, the drug is currently prescribed for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ulcerative colitis.
The study developed by Einstein in partnership with Pfizer, a pharmaceutical company that produces tofacitinib, was carried out in a group of 289 adult patients hospitalized in 15 treatment centers throughout the country.
The results showed a lower incidence of death or respiratory failure due to the novel coronavirus among patients who received the drug (18.1%) compared to those who received the placebo (29.0%). The research observed the participants for a period of 28 days and administered tofacitinib orally.
Xeljanz is considered a high-cost drug and is made available by the SUS. Pfizer does reveal prices, but it can be found in pharmacies for over R$ 5 thousand.
Translated by Kiratiana Freelon