Warwick Smith, Director General of Medicines UK, said: "It is hugely encouraging that the UK's largest clinical trial researching Covid-19 treatments has shown such positive results for the generic medicine dexamethasone. As it is an existing medicine, dexamethasone can potentially be rolled out very quickly with the NHS as a treatment option for seriously ill Covid patients. We mustn't lose sight of the innovation that repurposed generic medicines for new clinical uses can provide as part of the solution to combating Covid-19. Off-patent medicines can offer immediate, low-cost and high volume options which could potentially save many, many lives."