Tocilizumab doesn’t keep Covid-19 patients alive, researchers have claimed in a blow to the goal of discovering more treatments. Hopes were rising that the drug, originally designed for rheumatoid arthritis, would save lives by halting the immune system ‘storm’ that has killed thousands of infected patients. But doctors in New Jersey have now said there … Read more
An antidepressant nasal spray derived from the illegal ‘party’ drug ketamine has been approved by US health chiefs to treat suicidal people (stock picture) An antidepressant nasal spray derived from the party drug ketamine has been approved by US health chiefs to treat suicidal people. Spravato — made by Janssen, a subsidiary of American pharmaceutical and consumer … Read more
Covid-19 survivors shouldn’t have to self-isolate if they develop symptoms of the disease because they aren’t likely to be infectious, government scientific advisers suggest Sage studied evidence which found it’s likely survivors can’t be infected again But admitted it is unclear how long this coronavirus ‘immunity’ would last for Experts dismissed idea of immunity passports, … Read more
Two scientists behind Oxford University’s coronavirus vaccine could pocket a hefty sum of money if the jab proves successful, it emerged today. Several private investors, including the controversial Chinese firm Huawei, are also poised to profit if the vaccine — called AZD1222 — goes to market. Oxford professors Sarah Gilbert and Adrian Hill co-founded Vaccitech … Read more
No10 today refused to rule out effectively sealing off London if coronavirus cases spike as Sadiq Khan accused Boris Johnson of ‘riding roughshod’ over the city’s best interests. The Mayor of London has written to the PM to voice ‘great surprise’ at suggestions a quarantine zone could be created within the M25, complaining that it has … Read more
Catching coronavirus on public transport is far less likely than once feared, fresh data suggests. Trains, buses and planes were earmarked as potential Covid-19 hotspots by experts around the world at the start of the crisis. This is because Covid-19 thrives in enclosed indoor spaces with little ventilation and densely packed crowds of people. But research … Read more
Britain today recorded its highest number of coronavirus infections in almost six weeks, after nearly a thousand people were diagnosed with the life-threatening disease in just 24 hours. Some 938 Britons tested positive for Covid-19, up a fifth on yesterday’s figure (789) and nearly 40 per cent more than the 678 recorded last Monday. Not since … Read more
Painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen can do ‘more harm than good’ and should not be prescribed to treat chronic pain, health officials have said. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence claims that there is ‘little or no evidence’ the drugs, as well as aspirin and opioids, work. But in draft guidance, published on … Read more
Professor Tim Spector, an epidemiologist at King’s College London, said the UK’s mini coronavirus outbreaks are ‘ripples’ caused by a failure to completely flatten the first epidemic The UK’s mini coronavirus outbreaks are just ‘ripples’ caused by the failure to completely flatten the first epidemic and not proof of a second wave, according to a … Read more
Ministers were today asked to prove that two new rapid coronavirus tests bought to bolster Britain’s war on coronavirus even work. The tests – which give results in 90 minutes – will start being rolled out from next week. One is so simple it could soon be deployed in airports, offices, pubs and restaurants – bringing … Read more