An Oxford University study found that dexamethasone, an anti-inflammatory drug, significantly reduces coronavirus mortality and saves the lives of one-third of patients on ventilators and one-fifth of those on oxygen machines.
Dr. Luria, a specialist on liver and internal diseases at Sha'arei Tzedek Medical Center, was interviewed by Arutz Sheva and discussed the new treatment. He began by urging readers to avoid a feeling of euphoria once the virus is defeated.
"This is definitely good news," he said. Another substance similar to Dermacon, which is also a steroid, has produced positive results but Luria is careful not to overreact. "During the [initial] months of the outbreak, there were so many false reports that we started taking a more skeptical approach. For example, the anti-malaria drug…It's unclear how we got into this mess and how knowledgeable individuals let it happen," he says.
"Then there were two other studies that were considered Earth shattering. Two articles were published in a prestigious journal with renowned scientific research teams behind them only to be scrapped. That's the worst-case scenario, especially in this kind of research journal that gets continuously double checked prior to publishing."
"Why do that? These aren't people who're going hungry or need extra acclaim. That's why even when I hear about a new treatment from Oxford, obviously based on high-level research, it's still not coming from a scientific journal and the data has yet to be examined by top-level scientists," he clarifies.
Dr. Luria adds that the idea is not entirely new and that it's already being tested on various types of infectious diseases: "It's an already-proven concept that's being put to a new type of use, but they should proceed with extreme caution as there have already been a number of 'duds' published in the press."
"There are no shortcuts in life," he continues. "These are perhaps small, brilliant steps in the right direction, but decision-making should only follow comprehensive research conducted in numerous locations around the globe by a large number of researchers following strict procedure. That's the only way we'll find a cure. Chances are, it'll be a combination of all the different types of research, with everything requiring thorough analysis once positive results are reached."
Dr. Luria concludes by criticizing recent social behaviors: "Until we find a miracles cure, we can't forget about the simple ways of doing things. It's too bad people are walking around without face masks which have proven to be the most effective preventive cure. In my opinion, draconian enforcement of face masks, social distance, and widespread testing alongside tracing virus carriers, are all steps that should be taken during the second wave, and it's too bad people are ignoring these simple measures."
