No proof to link ibuprofen with coronavirus, says pharma major

French pharma major Sanofi on Friday (March 20) said there is currently no scientific evidence establishing a link between ibuprofen and worsening of COVID-19.

The company’s statement comes in the wake of the World Health Organisation (WHO) stating earlier this week that people suffering from COVID-19-like symptoms should avoid self-medicating with ibuprofen after French authorities warned anti-inflammatory drugs could worsen the effects of the virus.

Countering it, Sanofi said the WHO has stated they are not aware of published clinical or population-based data on ibuprofen and the worsening of COVID-19 and based on currently available information, do not recommend against the use of ibuprofen.

“At Sanofi, our priority is the safety of our consumers, patients, employees, their families and the communities we are engaged with and ensuring the continuous supply of safe and efficacious products,” Sanofi said in a statement.

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As very recently stated by several health authorities, including European Medicines Agency (EMA), there is currently no scientific evidence establishing a link between ibuprofen and worsening of COVID-19, it added.

In line with EU national treatment guidelines, healthcare professionals can continue prescribing (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) for patient use, as per locally approved product information, it said.

The company is monitoring the situation closely and will review any new information that becomes available on this issue in the context of the pandemic, it added.