Drug that may accelerate recovery given green light

US REGULATORS have given their approval to the first drug which appears to help Covid-19 patients recover more quickly.

The Food and Drug Administration cleared Gilead Science’s intravenous drug Remdesivir for hospitalised patients with “severe disease,” such as those experiencing breathing problems requiring supplemental oxygen or ventilators.

Stephen Hahn, the Food and Drug Administration Commissioner, said: “This was lightning speed in terms of getting something approved. It’s the first authorised therapy for Covid-19, so we’re really proud to be part of it.”

‘I don’t think this is a cure, but it’s nice to have something that will help stem the tide of this disease’

The FDA acted after preliminary results from a government-sponsored study showed that Remdesivir shortened the time of recovery by 31 per cent, or about four days on average. Those given the drug were able to leave hospital after 11 days on average, compared to 15 days for the placebo group. The drug blocks an enzyme the virus uses to copy its genetic material.

Dr Sameer Khanijo, a critical care specialist at North Shore University Hospital in New York, said: “I don’t think this is a cure, but it’s starting to point us in the right direction. It’s nice to have something that will help stem the tide of this disease.”

The FDA acknowledged “there is limited information about the safety and effectiveness of using Remdesivir.”

The drug’s side effects include potential inflammation of the liver and problems related to its infusion, which could lead to nausea, vomiting, sweating and low blood pressure.

Dr Anthony Fauci, of the US coronavirus task force, said the drug would become a new standard of care for severely ill Covid-19 patients.