Inhaled heparin cuts ventilation risk

An international study of about 500 hospitalized COVID‑19 patients across six countries found that inhaled heparin halved the need for mechanical ventilation and significantly reduced death risk versus standard care. Heparin, long used as an injectable anticoagulant, appears to work via lung‑targeted anticoagulant, anti‑inflammatory, and pan‑antiviral effects. Researchers suggest it could also benefit other severe respiratory infections like pneumonia. — A low‑cost, off‑patent intervention that reduces ICU demand and mortality could alter treatment guidelines, resource planning, and equity in respiratory‑disease care worldwide.