Researchers in England say they have the first evidence that a drug can improve COVID-19 survival: A cheap, widely available steroid reduced deaths by up to one third in severely ill hospitalized patients.

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The results were announced and the British government immediately authorized the drug's use across the United Kingdom for coronavirus patients like those who did well in the study. Researchers said they would publish results soon, and several independent experts said it's important to see details to know how much of a difference the drug, dexamethasone, might make and for whom.

But "bottom line is, good news," said the United States' top infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci. "This is a significant improvement in the available therapeutic options that we have."