It is "the first drug to be shown to improve survival in COVID-19".
It is a steroid drug typically used to reduce inflammation.
It is used to treat conditions such as arthritis, blood/hormone/immune system disorders, allergic reactions, certain skin and eye conditions, breathing problems, certain bowel disorders, and certain cancers.
It is also used as a test for an adrenal gland disorder (Cushing's syndrome).
The observation was based on a clinical trial called RECOVERY (Randomised Evaluation of COVid-19 therapy) by the University of Oxford in England.
The drug is manufactured in India by Cadila Healthcare or Zydus Cadila of Ahmedabad.