Remdesivir, a Potential Drug to Combat Coronavirus? Know Key Things About The Medication | Earth Indian

New Delhi: Remdesivir, an experimental drug of American pharma major Gilead Sciences Inc, is being viewed as a potential drug to combat Coronavirus. The trial is known to have entered a crucial phase.

As per research, Remdesivir shuts down viral replication by inhibiting a key viral enzyme, the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase.

Here’s all you need to know about the drug so far:

1) The first COVID-19 patient diagnosed in the US — a young man in Snohomish County, Washington state — was given remdesivir when his condition worsened and he improved the next day, according to a case report in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM).

2) There are clinical trials going on the drug effects in China. The initial results are expected to be out next week.

3) The medicine was initially developed for Ebola and the effect of the drug was accounted based on studies in patients in Eastern Congo. In January, the WHO panel said that the medication might me the most promising therapy due to its broad antiviral compound.

4) Over 150 organisations, including Doctors Without Borders, have maintained that it was “unacceptable for Gilead’s remdesivir to be put under the company’s exclusive control.”

5) Many fear that monopoly over the drug will affect the availability of the medicine. Not only the widespread reach of the medicine which is feared to be hit, but also the affordability.

6) Amid fears and apprehensions, the company had on Saturday ensured that it will work towards the affordability and the the easy access to those who are in a dire need of it.

7) The Food and Drug Administration in the US had on March 23 gave the medicine the “orphan drug” status. Notably, the status is granted to a drug which is seen to be promising in the treatment, prevention or diagnosis of a rare disease. Also, “orphan drugs” need government support for its commercial development.

8) The phase-III clinical trial has been initiated by the US-based company. Notably, based on estimates, 70-90 per cent of the drugs that go into this crucial stage successfully pass the stage. The stage is considered to be the make-or-break stage.

9) However, questions about the medicine’s price in India, after it is commercially available, remain.

By Shivam Urkude || Earth Indian