In a significant development, a recent peer-reviewed study published in Nature Scientific Reports has unveiled the potential efficacy of Indomethacin, a widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, in treating mild and moderate cases of COVID-19.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Shows Promise in Clinical Trial
Led by Dr. Rajan Ravichandran, an Adjunct Faculty at IIT Madras and Director of Nephrology at MIOT hospitals, and conceptualized by Prof. R. Krishna Kumar, Institute professor at IIT Madras, the study marks a crucial advancement in COVID-19 treatment. The research was conducted at Panimalar Medical College and Research Institute.
Indian Researchers Lead the Way in Demonstrating Indomethacin’s Efficacy
The study is particularly noteworthy as it presents the first randomized clinical trial demonstrating the effectiveness of Indomethacin in treating COVID-19. The Indian team’s effort has shed light on the drug’s potential to counter the virus, adding to the scientific basis laid out by researchers from Italy and the US.
Hope for Mild and Moderate COVID-19 Cases: Indomethacin’s Positive Impact
The findings of the study are promising. Among the 210 admitted patients, those who received Indomethacin alongside standard care exhibited remarkable progress. None of the patients in the Indomethacin group experienced oxygen desaturation, a common concern in COVID-19 cases. Moreover, patients treated with Indomethacin recovered from symptoms significantly faster compared to the control group.
Implications for Future Waves and Treatment Protocols
With the potential to prevent hypoxia and enhance recovery time, Indomethacin’s role in COVID-19 treatment could prove vital in future waves of the virus. Dr. Rajan Ravichandran expressed optimism that the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) would consider incorporating Indomethacin into COVID-19 treatment protocols based on these promising results.
