WHO Recommends Two More COVID-19 Therapies 

January 21, 2022

The WHO has recommended the use of two more COVID-19 drugs, one of which is a JAK inhibitor (baricitinib) used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Baricitinib has been recommended for those with severe disease, given in conjunction with corticosteroids.

Sotrovimab, a monoclonal antibody, has also been conditionally recommended for those with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 with underlying conditions, including compromised immune systems. Sotrovimab has been shown to effectively neutralize the Omicron variant.

Baricitinib and Sotrovimab “have been invited for WHO Prequalification, which assesses the quality, efficacy and safety of priority health products to increase access in lower income countries.” Read more about the research and development process, as well as authorized COVID-19 treatments here.