The UK is due to trial a drug in the battle against coronavirus which tackles fever and has previously been described by the NHS as “life-changing”.
Canakinumab, otherwise known as Ilaris and produced by global health giant Novartis in Switzerland, modifies patients’ immune systems and reduces inflammation.
In February, NHS England confirmed a deal had been struck for the drug to treat patients suffering from rare conditions causing fever, joint pains and swelling.
The announcement described canakinumab as “life-changing”. Its effects are now set to be tested on Covid-19. Professor Ian Hall, director of the National Institute for Health Research’s Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, is helping to co-ordinate recruitment of patients