A meta-trial of randomized clinical studies across six countries has found that inhaled heparin significantly reduced the need for intubation, overall mortality, and in-hospital death among hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

A widely available and affordable drug has been shown to be effective in treating seriously ill COVID-19 patients, according to a new international study led by researchers at the Australian National University (ANU) in collaboration with King’s College London.

The study analysed data from almost 500 patients hospitalised with COVID-19 across six countries. Patients who inhaled heparin were half as likely to require ventilation and had a significantly lower risk of dying compared with those receiving standard care.

Heparin , a drug traditionally injected to treat b

See Full Page