UK authorises anti-viral drug remdesivir

[Mr. Sparkle]

Source: BBC

A drug treatment that appears to shorten recovery time for people with coronavirus is being made available on the NHS. Remdesivir is an anti-viral medicine that was originally developed to fight Ebola. UK regulators say there is enough evidence to approve its use in selected hospital patients.

For the time being and due to limited supplies, it will go to those most likely to benefit. The US and Japan have already made similar urgent arrangements to provide early access to the medicine before they have a marketing agreement. The drug is currently undergoing clinical trials around the world, including in the UK.

Early data suggests it can cut recovery time by about four days. Minister for Innovation Lord Bethell said: "This shows fantastic progress. As we navigate this unprecedented period, we must be on the front foot of the latest medical advancements, while always ensuring patient safety remains a top priority. "The latest, expert scientific advice is at the heart of every decision we make, and we will continue to monitor remdesivir's success in clinical trials across the country to ensure the best results for UK patients." Dr Stephen Griffin from the University of Leeds Medical School, said it was perhaps the most promising anti-viral for coronavirus so far.

Read more: https://www.bbc.com/news/health-52805828

[Steelrolled]

1. While it might not be "fantastic progress"

it is what we have, and apparently does shorten recoveries (and save lives from what I have read).

[disndat]

2. People who have

recovered from use of the drug have testified on their remarkable quick recoveries. Too bad it is in such short supply.

[cstanleytech]

3. I hope it does turn out to help rather than turn out to be something the government is doing simply

to appear to being doing something because they are afraid of the political consequences of looking like they are not trying.

[BlueIdaho]

4. From what I've read

It’s not just about shortening the time to recovery, it’s also about avoiding the most damaging effects - permanent lung, kidney, and liver damage. Remdesivir absolutely helps, but we need get it to patients sooner and learn what else can be used in combination to treat this virus.