Physicians express skepticism about Lilly arthritis drug OK'd as COVID-19 treatment

Physicians told The New York Times they're unclear on when to use Eli Lilly's arthritis drug, Olumiant — which was given emergency approval from the FDA to use in combination with remdesivir as a COVID-19 treatment — instead of cheaper steroids such as dexamethasone.The FDA has granted emergency authorization for Eli Lilly's drug, Olumiant, in combination with Gilead's remdesivir as a treatment for hospitalized COVID-19 patients, Eli Lilly said Nov. 19.

Olumiant is a rheumatoid arthritis drug that combats inflammation. The FDA said the drug was shown to reduce recovery time in COVID-19 patients within 29 days of treatment.