Gilead Sciences Inc has priced its COVID-19 drug candidate remdesivir at $2,340 for a five-day treatment in the United States and some other developed countries, potentially reflecting looming competition from a cheap steroid.

The price tag is slightly below the range of $2,520 to $2,800 suggested last week by US&nbsp;drug pricing research group the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) after British researchers said they found that the cheap, widely available steroid dexamethasone significantly reduced mortality among severely ill COVID-19 patients.

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-pandemic-is-remdesivir-actually-effective-in-treatment-295903">Coronavirus pandemic: Is remdesivir actually effective in treatment?</a>

Remdesivir is at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19 after the anti-viral treatment helped shorten hospital recovery times in a clinical trial. It has been approved for emergency use in some patients in the US.

Remdesivir is expected to be in high demand as one of the only treatments so far shown to alter the course of COVID-19. After the intravenously administered medicine helped shorten hospital recovery times in a clinical trial, it won emergency use authorization in the United States and full approval in Japan.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gileads-remdesivir-prevents-lung-damage-in-covid-19-study-on-monkeys-304645">Gilead's remdesivir prevents lung damage in COVID-19 study on monkeys</a>

The drug is believed to be most effective in treating patients earlier in the course of disease than dexamethasone, which reduced deaths in patients requiring supportive oxygen and those on a ventilator. Still, remdesivir in its currently formulation, is only being used on patients sick enough to require hospitalization as a five-day treatment course.

The company is developing an inhaled version that could be used outside a hospital setting.

For US&nbsp;patients with commercial insurance, Gilead said it will charge $3,120 per course, or $520 per vial. That is a 33 per cent&nbsp;increase over the $390 per vial Gilead said it will charge governments of developed countries and US&nbsp;patients in government healthcare programs.

Gilead Sciences Inc has priced its COVID-19 drug candidate remdesivir at $2,340 for a five-day treatment in the United States and some other developed countries, potentially reflecting looming competition from a cheap steroid.

Gilead Sciences Inc has priced its COVID-19 drug candidate remdesivir at $2,340 for a five-day treatment in the United States and some other developed countries, potentially reflecting looming competition from a cheap steroid. The price tag is slightly below the range of $2,520 to $2,800 suggested last week by US drug pricing research group the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) after British researchers said they found that the cheap, widely available steroid dexamethasone significantly reduced mortality among severely ill COVID-19 patients. Also read| Coronavirus pandemic: Is remdesivir actually effective in treatment? Remdesivir is at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19 after the anti-viral treatment helped shorten hospital recovery times in a clinical trial. It has been approved for emergency use in some patients in the US. Remdesivir is expected to be in high demand as one of the only treatments so far shown to alter the course of COVID-19. After the intravenously administered medicine helped shorten hospital recovery times in a clinical trial, it won emergency use authorization in the United States and full approval in Japan. Also read| Gilead's remdesivir prevents lung damage in COVID-19 study on monkeys The drug is believed to be most effective in treating patients earlier in the course of disease than dexamethasone, which reduced deaths in patients requiring supportive oxygen and those on a ventilator. Still, remdesivir in its currently formulation, is only being used on patients sick enough to require hospitalization as a five-day treatment course. The company is developing an inhaled version that could be used outside a hospital setting. For US patients with commercial insurance, Gilead said it will charge $3,120 per course, or $520 per vial. That is a 33 per cent increase over the $390 per vial Gilead said it will charge governments of developed countries and US patients in government healthcare programs.

Gilead gives price tag to first coronavirus drug Remdesivir at $2,340

The European healthcare regulator has recommended the conditional approval of Gilead Sciences Inc’s antiviral treatment, remdesivir, for use in COVID-19 patients.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) said on Thursday its human medicines committee (CHMP) recommended the drug's use in adults and adolescents from 12 years of age with pneumonia who require oxygen support.

The EMA endorsement means physicians can prescribe the Gilead drug, to be branded Veklury, in Europe once approved by the European Commission.

Demand for the drug soared after it became a front-runner following promise in trials

Remdesivir has already been approved for emergency use in severely-ill patients in the United States, India and South Korea, and has received full approval in Japan.

In the United States, it could be priced up to $5,080 per course, while Indian generic drugmakers will sell the treatment between Rs 5,000 rupees to Rs 6,000.

The European healthcare regulator has recommended the conditional approval of Gilead Sciences Inc’s antiviral treatment, remdesivir, for use in COVID-19 patients.

The European healthcare regulator has recommended the conditional approval of Gilead Sciences Inc’s antiviral treatment, remdesivir, for use in COVID-19 patients. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) said on Thursday its human medicines committee (CHMP) recommended the drug's use in adults and adolescents from 12 years of age with pneumonia who require oxygen support. The EMA endorsement means physicians can prescribe the Gilead drug, to be branded Veklury, in Europe once approved by the European Commission. Demand for the drug soared after it became a front-runner following promise in trials Remdesivir has already been approved for emergency use in severely-ill patients in the United States, India and South Korea, and has received full approval in Japan. In the United States, it could be priced up to $5,080 per course, while Indian generic drugmakers will sell the treatment between Rs 5,000 rupees to Rs 6,000.

Remdesivir endorsed as first COVID-19 treatment in Europe

The Health Ministry on Saturday recommended the use of antiviral drug remdesivir in moderate stage of COVID-19 while backtracking from its earlier stance on hydroxychloroquine, saying the anti-malarial drug should be used in the early course of the disease and not on critically ill patients.

It also okayed off-label application of tocilizumab, a drug that modifies the immune system or its functioning, and convalescent plasma for treating coronavirus-infected patients in moderate stage of the illness.

In its revised 'Clinical Management Protocols for COVID-19' the ministry dropped the use of azithromycin in combination with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in severe cases and requiring ICU management.

Hydroxychloroquine has demonstrated in-vitro activity against SARS-CoV2 and was shown to be clinically beneficial in several small single-centre studies though with significant limitations, it stated.

"Nonetheless, several large observational studies with severe methodologic limitations have shown no effect on mortality or other clinically meaningful outcomes.

"As such, the evidence base behind its use remains limited as with other drugs and should only be used after shared decision making with the patients while awaiting the results of ongoing studies," the revised document stated.

As is the case with other antivirals, this drug should be used as early in the disease course as possible to achieve any meaningful effects and should be avoided in patients with severe disease, the health ministry said, adding an ECG should ideally be done before prescribing the drug.

Under emergency use authorization, remdesivir may be considered for patients in moderate stage requiring oxygen support. It is not recommended for those with severe renal impairment and high level of liver enzymes, pregnant and lactating women, and those below 12 years, the document stated. ?

The drug, administered in the form of injection, should be given at a dose of 200 mg on day one followed by 100 mg daily for five days.

According to the revised protocols, convalescent plasma therapy may be considered for patients with moderate illness with no improvement in condition despite the use of steroids.

The therapy involves taking antibodies from the blood of a person who has recovered from COVID-19 and transfusing those into a coronavirus patient to help kickstart the immune system to fight the infection. The recipient should be closely monitored for several hours after transfusion for any adverse events and its use should be avoided in patients with immunoglobulin A deficiency or immunoglobulin allergy.

"The dose is variable ranging from 4 to 13 ml/kg -- usually 200 ml single dose given slowly over not less than two hours, the revised document stated.

The guidelines state that tocilizumab, may be considered in patients with moderate illness with progressively increase in oxygen requirement and in mechanically ventilated patients not improving despite the use of steroids.

Long term safety data in COVID 19 remains largely unknown, the guidelines stated.

The presence of raised inflammatory markers should be checked before its use and the patient should be carefully monitored after tocilizumab is administered for secondary infections and neutropenia. Active infections and Tuberculosis should be ruled out before use, it stated.

For patients with progressive deterioration of oxygenation indicators, rapid worsening on imaging and excessive activation of the body's inflammatory response, glucocorticoids can be used for a short period of time.

Larger dose of glucocorticoids, a class of steroid hormones, will delay the removal of coronavirus due to immunosuppressive effects, the revised document stated.

According to the revised clinical management protocols, loss of smell or taste has been added to the list of COVID-19 symptoms.

The ministry said that coronavirus-infected patients reporting to various COVID-19 treatment facilities have been reporting symptoms like fever, cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, expectoration, myalgia, rhinorrhea, sore throat and diarrhoea. They have also complained of loss of smell (anosmia) or loss of taste (ageusia) preceding the onset of respiratory symptoms.

The ministry said the use of remdesivir, tocilizumab and convalescent plasma therapy, at present, is based on limited available evidence. As the situation evolves, and when more data become available, the evidence will be accordingly incorporated, and recommendation upgraded, it stated.

Further, use of these drugs is subject to limited availability in the country as of now, the document stated. 
India currently does not manufacture remdesivir ? ?

Four companies -- Hetero, Jubilant Life Sciences, Cipla and Mylan NV -- with which the original drugmaker Gilead Sciences Inc have entered into non-exclusive licensing agreements are still awaiting the nod from the DCGI for manufacturing and selling of remdesivir in India.

The drug regulator on June 1 had granted US pharma giant Gilead Sciences marketing authorisation for its drug remdesivir for "restricted emergency use" on hospitalised COVID-19 in the country.&nbsp;

The Health Ministry on Saturday recommended the use of antiviral drug remdesivir in moderate stage of COVID-19 while backtracking from its earlier stance on hydroxychloroquine, saying the anti-malarial drug should be used in the early course of the disease and not on critically ill patients.

The Health Ministry on Saturday recommended the use of antiviral drug remdesivir in moderate stage of COVID-19 while backtracking from its earlier stance on hydroxychloroquine, saying the anti-malarial drug should be used in the early course of the disease and not on critically ill patients. It also okayed off-label application of tocilizumab, a drug that modifies the immune system or its functioning, and convalescent plasma for treating coronavirus-infected patients in moderate stage of the illness. In its revised 'Clinical Management Protocols for COVID-19' the ministry dropped the use of azithromycin in combination with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in severe cases and requiring ICU management. Hydroxychloroquine has demonstrated in-vitro activity against SARS-CoV2 and was shown to be clinically beneficial in several small single-centre studies though with significant limitations, it stated. "Nonetheless, several large observational studies with severe methodologic limitations have shown no effect on mortality or other clinically meaningful outcomes. "As such, the evidence base behind its use remains limited as with other drugs and should only be used after shared decision making with the patients while awaiting the results of ongoing studies," the revised document stated. As is the case with other antivirals, this drug should be used as early in the disease course as possible to achieve any meaningful effects and should be avoided in patients with severe disease, the health ministry said, adding an ECG should ideally be done before prescribing the drug. Under emergency use authorization, remdesivir may be considered for patients in moderate stage requiring oxygen support. It is not recommended for those with severe renal impairment and high level of liver enzymes, pregnant and lactating women, and those below 12 years, the document stated. ? The drug, administered in the form of injection, should be given at a dose of 200 mg on day one followed by 100 mg daily for five days. According to the revised protocols, convalescent plasma therapy may be considered for patients with moderate illness with no improvement in condition despite the use of steroids. The therapy involves taking antibodies from the blood of a person who has recovered from COVID-19 and transfusing those into a coronavirus patient to help kickstart the immune system to fight the infection. The recipient should be closely monitored for several hours after transfusion for any adverse events and its use should be avoided in patients with immunoglobulin A deficiency or immunoglobulin allergy. "The dose is variable ranging from 4 to 13 ml/kg -- usually 200 ml single dose given slowly over not less than two hours, the revised document stated. The guidelines state that tocilizumab, may be considered in patients with moderate illness with progressively increase in oxygen requirement and in mechanically ventilated patients not improving despite the use of steroids. Long term safety data in COVID 19 remains largely unknown, the guidelines stated. The presence of raised inflammatory markers should be checked before its use and the patient should be carefully monitored after tocilizumab is administered for secondary infections and neutropenia. Active infections and Tuberculosis should be ruled out before use, it stated. For patients with progressive deterioration of oxygenation indicators, rapid worsening on imaging and excessive activation of the body's inflammatory response, glucocorticoids can be used for a short period of time. Larger dose of glucocorticoids, a class of steroid hormones, will delay the removal of coronavirus due to immunosuppressive effects, the revised document stated. According to the revised clinical management protocols, loss of smell or taste has been added to the list of COVID-19 symptoms. The ministry said that coronavirus-infected patients reporting to various COVID-19 treatment facilities have been reporting symptoms like fever, cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, expectoration, myalgia, rhinorrhea, sore throat and diarrhoea. They have also complained of loss of smell (anosmia) or loss of taste (ageusia) preceding the onset of respiratory symptoms. The ministry said the use of remdesivir, tocilizumab and convalescent plasma therapy, at present, is based on limited available evidence. As the situation evolves, and when more data become available, the evidence will be accordingly incorporated, and recommendation upgraded, it stated. Further, use of these drugs is subject to limited availability in the country as of now, the document stated. India currently does not manufacture remdesivir ? ? Four companies -- Hetero, Jubilant Life Sciences, Cipla and Mylan NV -- with which the original drugmaker Gilead Sciences Inc have entered into non-exclusive licensing agreements are still awaiting the nod from the DCGI for manufacturing and selling of remdesivir in India. The drug regulator on June 1 had granted US pharma giant Gilead Sciences marketing authorisation for its drug remdesivir for "restricted emergency use" on hospitalised COVID-19 in the country.

Health ministry recommends remdesivir for moderate cases, HCQ for early course of COVID-19

With a rapid increase in the number of coronavirus cases in India, the country is gearing up to start domestic production of the anti-viral Remdesivir drug.

The drug will be allowed only for&nbsp;"restricted emergency use" on COVID-19 patients. The approval was granted by India's Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), on the condition that it will be strictly used only for severely ill&nbsp;hospitalised coronavirus patients.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/remdesivir-prevents-covid-19-lung-damage-tested-on-macaque-monkeys-304914">Also watch|&nbsp;Remdesivir prevents COVID-19 lung damage: Tested on macaque monkeys</a>

DCGi is currently evaluating application from India's top four pharma giants who want to seek the approval to manufacture and sell Remdesivir in India.

"Their applications are being thoroughly studied and examined day and night. It had certain shortcomings for which the respective pharma companies are furnishing their report. The testing of the drug`s molecular compound will be done at our government laboratory. When it fulfills the safety parameters at the dose, India would soon have the benefit of its domestic product (Remdesivir) which have efficacy, stability and safety for `restricted emergency use` on COVID-19 patients," a senior government official told a local news agency.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/regeneron-begins-human-testing-of-covid-19-antibody-cocktail-305197">Also read|&nbsp;Regeneron begins human testing of COVID-19 antibody cocktail</a>

The drug will only be allowed in small quantities for severely ill patients,&nbsp;as the drug is undergoing trials for now. The doctors resorting to the drug will have to fill prescribed forms seeking approval for usage.

"The drug will be administered in the form of infection in five doses. On the first day, a patient will be given two doses followed by one dose for the next four days under the strict monitoring of doctors. The drug has to be given only to those severe COVID-19 patients with oxygen saturation level below 94 and respiratory rate more than 24," he explained.

The pharma companies manufacturing the drug will also have to do&nbsp; an 'Active-Post Marketing Surveillance' through which they will have observe and study the benefits that each patient has registered through the use of the drug, and provide the data report to the government.

Remdesivir, an investigational antiviral therapy developed by Gilead, received Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) by the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) to treat COVID-19.&nbsp;According to Gilead, under the licensing agreements, the companies have a right to receive a technology transfer of the Gilead manufacturing process for Remdesivir to enable them to scale up production more quickly.

(With inputs from Reuters)

With a rapid increase in the number of coronavirus cases in India, the country is gearing up to start domestic production of the anti-viral Remdesivir drug. The drug will be allowed only for "restricted emergency use" on COVID-19 patients.

With a rapid increase in the number of coronavirus cases in India, the country is gearing up to start domestic production of the anti-viral Remdesivir drug. The drug will be allowed only for "restricted emergency use" on COVID-19 patients. The approval was granted by India's Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), on the condition that it will be strictly used only for severely ill hospitalised coronavirus patients. Also watch| Remdesivir prevents COVID-19 lung damage: Tested on macaque monkeys DCGi is currently evaluating application from India's top four pharma giants who want to seek the approval to manufacture and sell Remdesivir in India. "Their applications are being thoroughly studied and examined day and night. It had certain shortcomings for which the respective pharma companies are furnishing their report. The testing of the drug`s molecular compound will be done at our government laboratory. When it fulfills the safety parameters at the dose, India would soon have the benefit of its domestic product (Remdesivir) which have efficacy, stability and safety for `restricted emergency use` on COVID-19 patients," a senior government official told a local news agency. Also read| Regeneron begins human testing of COVID-19 antibody cocktail The drug will only be allowed in small quantities for severely ill patients, as the drug is undergoing trials for now. The doctors resorting to the drug will have to fill prescribed forms seeking approval for usage. "The drug will be administered in the form of infection in five doses. On the first day, a patient will be given two doses followed by one dose for the next four days under the strict monitoring of doctors. The drug has to be given only to those severe COVID-19 patients with oxygen saturation level below 94 and respiratory rate more than 24," he explained. The pharma companies manufacturing the drug will also have to do an 'Active-Post Marketing Surveillance' through which they will have observe and study the benefits that each patient has registered through the use of the drug, and provide the data report to the government. Remdesivir, an investigational antiviral therapy developed by Gilead, received Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) by the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) to treat COVID-19. According to Gilead, under the licensing agreements, the companies have a right to receive a technology transfer of the Gilead manufacturing process for Remdesivir to enable them to scale up production more quickly. (With inputs from Reuters)

COVID 19: India to start domestic production of Remdesivir

6 months, 188 countries, 72 lakh cases and more than 4 lakh deaths. Billions may be emerging from months of lockdown but the virus from Wuhan hasn't disappeared yet.

6 months, 188 countries, 72 lakh cases and more than 4 lakh deaths. Billions may be emerging from months of lockdown but the virus from Wuhan hasn't disappeared yet. The US leads the tally with more than 19 lakh 79 thousand cases and over 1 lakh 12 thousand deaths, followed by Brazil which has 7 lakh 39 thousand cases and more than 38 thousand lives lost. Russia is on the third spot with more than 4 lakh 93 thousand cases while the death toll is comparatively lower. Over 6 thousand lives have been lost in Russia. Then there's the UK with over 2 lakh 90 thousand cases and more than 40 thousand deaths. India remains at the fifth spot with more than 8 thousand new cases have been added in the last 24 hours. The overall tally is 2 lakh 76 thousand. Out of this 1 lakh 33 thousand are active cases. More than 1 lakh 35 thousand people have recovered and over 7 thousand live have been lost. Does the world have a cure yet? Not really. But a study in the medical journal nature says that Remdesivir, an anti-viral drug could be useful in preventing lung damage. The study says this drug can prevent lung disease in macaques infected with the coronavirus. The drug is still being tested on human. But the authors of the study have said that it should be considered as a treatment as early as possible to prevent progression of pneumonia in coronavirus patients.

Remdesivir should be considered for COVID-19 treatment as early as possible: Study

According to the medical journal Nature, medical drug remdesivir can prevent lung disease in macaque monkeys infected by the coronavirus. Its progress in clinical studies is being closely watched. Watch report.

Remdesivir prevents COVID-19 lung damage: Tested on macaque monkeys

The Wuhan virus has infected more than 72,00,000 people across the world. A new study in the Medical Journal Nature says that anti-viral drug Remdesivir can help prevent Lung damage in infected patients. WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Can Remdesivir slow Covid-19 progression?

Gilead Sciences Inc's antiviral drug remdesivir prevented lung disease in macaque monkeys infected with the new coronavirus, according to a study published in the journal Nature on Tuesday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/harvard-medical-school-research-says-spread-of-virus-started-in-august-304636" hreflang="en">Harvard Medical School research says spread of virus started in August</a>

The findings were first reported in April by the US&nbsp;National Institutes of Health (NIH) as a "preprint," prior to traditional academic validation provided by a medical journal.

Remdesivir is the first drug shown to be effective against COVID-19 in human trials. Other clinical studies involving the drug are being closely watched as nations look for treatments for the disease that has infected more than 7 million people and killed over 400,000 globally.

Remdesivir was approved last month in Japan under the brand name Veklury. It has been cleared for emergency use in severely-ill patients in the United States, India and South Korea. Some European nations are also using it under compassionate programs.

In the study published on Tuesday, 12 monkeys were infected with the new coronavirus, and half of them were given early treatment with remdesivir.

Macaques that received remdesivir did not show signs of respiratory disease and had reduced damage to the lungs.&nbsp;

Authors of the study also said the viral load, or amount of virus, in the lungs of remdesivir-treated animals was lower.

The authors suggested that remdesivir should be considered as a treatment as early as possible to prevent progression to pneumonia in COVID-19 patients.

In a U.S.-run clinical trial released in late April, remdesivir reduced hospitalization stays by 31%, or about four days, compared to a placebo.

Gilead last week reported data from its own trial of remdesivir, showing that the drug provided a modest benefit for patients with moderate COVID-19 given a five-day course of the treatment.

Gilead Sciences Inc's antiviral drug remdesivir prevented lung disease in macaque monkeys infected with the new coronavirus, according to a study published in the journal Nature on Tuesday.

Gilead Sciences Inc's antiviral drug remdesivir prevented lung disease in macaque monkeys infected with the new coronavirus, according to a study published in the journal Nature on Tuesday. Also read: Harvard Medical School research says spread of virus started in August The findings were first reported in April by the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) as a "preprint," prior to traditional academic validation provided by a medical journal. Remdesivir is the first drug shown to be effective against COVID-19 in human trials. Other clinical studies involving the drug are being closely watched as nations look for treatments for the disease that has infected more than 7 million people and killed over 400,000 globally. Remdesivir was approved last month in Japan under the brand name Veklury. It has been cleared for emergency use in severely-ill patients in the United States, India and South Korea. Some European nations are also using it under compassionate programs. In the study published on Tuesday, 12 monkeys were infected with the new coronavirus, and half of them were given early treatment with remdesivir. Macaques that received remdesivir did not show signs of respiratory disease and had reduced damage to the lungs. Authors of the study also said the viral load, or amount of virus, in the lungs of remdesivir-treated animals was lower. The authors suggested that remdesivir should be considered as a treatment as early as possible to prevent progression to pneumonia in COVID-19 patients. In a U.S.-run clinical trial released in late April, remdesivir reduced hospitalization stays by 31%, or about four days, compared to a placebo. Gilead last week reported data from its own trial of remdesivir, showing that the drug provided a modest benefit for patients with moderate COVID-19 given a five-day course of the treatment.

Gilead's remdesivir prevents lung damage in COVID-19 study on monkeys

South Korea has approved the emergency use of Remdesivir to treat COVID-19 after a government panel last week cited positive results for the anti-viral drug in other countries.

Gilead Sciences Inc's Remdesivir, which is administered intravenously, is the first drug to show improvement in COVID-19 patients in formal clinical trials.

South Korea's Ministry for Food and Drug Safety made the announcement on Tuesday.

Gilead reported the drug provided a modest benefit in patients with moderate COVID-19 given a five-day course of the treatment, on Monday.

The US Food and Drug Administration granted emergency use authorisation (EUA) last month, citing results from a United States government study that showed the drug reduced hospitalisation stays by 31%, or about four days, compared to a placebo. Japanese health authorities have also approved use of the drug.

Under the guidelines, doctors can administer one dose of remdesivir a day, with five doses overall for patients with moderate symptoms, and 10 doses for patients with severe symptoms and who need oxygen support.

The ministry said it would cooperate with Gilead, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other ministries to swiftly import the drug.

All patients must undergo a liver function test before taking the drug as possible side effects include elevated levels of liver enzymes.

South Korea has so far reported 11,590 coronavirus cases with 273 deaths. 
&nbsp;

South Korea has approved the emergency use of Remdesivir to treat COVID-19 after a government panel last week cited positive results for the anti-viral drug in other countries.

South Korea has approved the emergency use of Remdesivir to treat COVID-19 after a government panel last week cited positive results for the anti-viral drug in other countries. Gilead Sciences Inc's Remdesivir, which is administered intravenously, is the first drug to show improvement in COVID-19 patients in formal clinical trials. South Korea's Ministry for Food and Drug Safety made the announcement on Tuesday. Gilead reported the drug provided a modest benefit in patients with moderate COVID-19 given a five-day course of the treatment, on Monday. The US Food and Drug Administration granted emergency use authorisation (EUA) last month, citing results from a United States government study that showed the drug reduced hospitalisation stays by 31%, or about four days, compared to a placebo. Japanese health authorities have also approved use of the drug. Under the guidelines, doctors can administer one dose of remdesivir a day, with five doses overall for patients with moderate symptoms, and 10 doses for patients with severe symptoms and who need oxygen support. The ministry said it would cooperate with Gilead, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other ministries to swiftly import the drug. All patients must undergo a liver function test before taking the drug as possible side effects include elevated levels of liver enzymes. South Korea has so far reported 11,590 coronavirus cases with 273 deaths.

South Korea approves emergency use of Remdesivir to treat COVID-19

After India approved <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-approves-remdesivir-to-treat-severe-covid-19-cases-302904">Remdesivir</a>, South Korea on Wednesday issued emergency authorization for the anti-viral drug.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lancets-hcq-study-comes-under-scanner-302803/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The South Korean government said the drug had proved "clinically meaningful" in cutting patients' recovery time. South Korea which has largely contained the virus after an initial outbreak has over 11,590 COVID-19 cases and 273 deaths.

The government said it will work with manufacturer Gilead Sciences to import the drug.

Japan and the United States had earlier&nbsp;authorized Remdesivir for emergency treatment of coronavirus patients.

According to a study, Remdesivir cuts recovery times in coronavirus patients. US government agency the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) &nbsp;director Anthony Fauci had earlier said that &nbsp;preliminary evidence indicated Remdesivir had a "clear-cut, significant and positive effect in diminishing the time to recovery."

The US National Institutes of Health had said that remdesivir was most beneficial for hospitalized patients with severe disease who required supplemental oxygen."

Japan had earlier authorised remdesivir to treat coronavirus patients. "Remdesivir was approved under exceptional measures," Japan's health ministry had said, adding,"it was our country's first such approval for the treatment of coronavirus patients".

Merdad Parsey, chief medical officer at Gilead Sciences said that,"The Japanese approval of remdesivir is in recognition of the urgent need to treat critically ill patients in Japan. It is a reflection of the exceptional circumstances of this pandemic."

According to a study, the drug shortened recovery time in some patients as it enters the virus's genome system and short-circuits the replication process.

After India approved Remdesivir, South Korea on Wednesday issued emergency authorization for the anti-viral drug. Watch Video: The South Korean government said the drug had proved "clinically meaningful" in cutting patients' recovery time.

After India approved Remdesivir, South Korea on Wednesday issued emergency authorization for the anti-viral drug. Watch Video: The South Korean government said the drug had proved "clinically meaningful" in cutting patients' recovery time. South Korea which has largely contained the virus after an initial outbreak has over 11,590 COVID-19 cases and 273 deaths. The government said it will work with manufacturer Gilead Sciences to import the drug. Japan and the United States had earlier authorized Remdesivir for emergency treatment of coronavirus patients. According to a study, Remdesivir cuts recovery times in coronavirus patients. US government agency the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) director Anthony Fauci had earlier said that preliminary evidence indicated Remdesivir had a "clear-cut, significant and positive effect in diminishing the time to recovery." The US National Institutes of Health had said that remdesivir was most beneficial for hospitalized patients with severe disease who required supplemental oxygen." Japan had earlier authorised remdesivir to treat coronavirus patients. "Remdesivir was approved under exceptional measures," Japan's health ministry had said, adding,"it was our country's first such approval for the treatment of coronavirus patients". Merdad Parsey, chief medical officer at Gilead Sciences said that,"The Japanese approval of remdesivir is in recognition of the urgent need to treat critically ill patients in Japan. It is a reflection of the exceptional circumstances of this pandemic." According to a study, the drug shortened recovery time in some patients as it enters the virus's genome system and short-circuits the replication process.

After India, South Korea approves Remdesivir for coronavirus patients

India has approved Remdesivir for emergency use for five doses in treating COVID-19 patients.

Gilead Sciences Inc's antiviral drug, which is administered intravenously in hospital, is the first drug to show improvement in COVID-19 patients in formal clinical trials and is at the forefront of the battle against COVID-19, which has no approved treatment or vaccine.

"(DCGI) has granted regulatory approval of (remdesivir) for treatment of suspected or laboratory confirmed COVID-19 in adults and children hospitalised with severe disease," Gilead said in an email on Wednesday.

"(Remdesivir) approved on June 1 under emergency use with condition for five dose administration," the Drugs Controller General of India said in an email on Tuesday.

Earlier this week, Gilead said the drug showed modest benefit in patients with moderate COVID-19 given a five-day course, while those who received it for 10 days in the study did not fare as well.

The drug was granted emergency use authorisation by the US Food and Drug Administration last month and has received approval by Japanese health regulators.

Earlier in the day, South Korea approved the drug's emergency use and said it will cooperate with Gilead for its swift import.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-approves-emergency-use-of-remdesivir-to-treat-covid-19-302807">Also read |&nbsp;South Korea approves emergency use of Remdesivir to treat COVID-19</a>

India's coronavirus infections crossed 200,000, latest official figures showed, with the death toll at 5,815.

Gilead had signed non-exclusive licensing pacts last month with five generic drugmakers in India and Pakistan. The company anticipates new supply to start to become available in July.

Governments are racing to bolster supplies of Remdesivir, with Europe also vying for the treatment.&nbsp;

(with inputs)

India has approved Remdesivir for emergency use for five doses in treating COVID-19 patients. Gilead Sciences Inc's antiviral drug, which is administered intravenously in hospital, is the first drug to show improvement in COVID-19 patients in formal clinical trials and is at the forefront of the battle against COVID-19, which has no approved treatment or vaccine.

India has approved Remdesivir for emergency use for five doses in treating COVID-19 patients. Gilead Sciences Inc's antiviral drug, which is administered intravenously in hospital, is the first drug to show improvement in COVID-19 patients in formal clinical trials and is at the forefront of the battle against COVID-19, which has no approved treatment or vaccine. "(DCGI) has granted regulatory approval of (remdesivir) for treatment of suspected or laboratory confirmed COVID-19 in adults and children hospitalised with severe disease," Gilead said in an email on Wednesday. "(Remdesivir) approved on June 1 under emergency use with condition for five dose administration," the Drugs Controller General of India said in an email on Tuesday. Earlier this week, Gilead said the drug showed modest benefit in patients with moderate COVID-19 given a five-day course, while those who received it for 10 days in the study did not fare as well. The drug was granted emergency use authorisation by the US Food and Drug Administration last month and has received approval by Japanese health regulators. Earlier in the day, South Korea approved the drug's emergency use and said it will cooperate with Gilead for its swift import. Also read | South Korea approves emergency use of Remdesivir to treat COVID-19 India's coronavirus infections crossed 200,000, latest official figures showed, with the death toll at 5,815. Gilead had signed non-exclusive licensing pacts last month with five generic drugmakers in India and Pakistan. The company anticipates new supply to start to become available in July. Governments are racing to bolster supplies of Remdesivir, with Europe also vying for the treatment. (with inputs)

India approves Remdesivir to treat severe COVID-19 cases

South Korean health authorities said on Friday they would request imports of Gilead Sciences Inc`s anti-viral drug remdesivir to treat COVID-19, as new outbreaks of the disease flare as social distancing restrictions are eased. 
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety must approve the import but a government panel concluded remdesivir showed positive results, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) Director Jeong Eun-kyeong said.

Foster City, California-based Gilead has said the drug has improved outcomes for people suffering from the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus and has provided data suggesting it works better when given in the early stages of infection.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lockdown-measures-re-implemented-in-south-korea-as-nation-battles-second-wave-301594">Also watch:&nbsp;Lockdown measures re-implemented in South Korea as nation battles second wave</a>

Preliminary results from a trial led by the U.S. Institutes of Health showed remdesivir cut hospital stays by 31% compared with a placebo treatment, although it did not significantly improve survival.

Remdesivir, which failed as a treatment for Ebola, is designed to stop some viruses making copies of themselves inside infected cells.

After mounting a campaign of tracing and testing to blunt an initial wave of coronavirus infections in February and March, South Korea has seen smaller but persistent outbreaks as it has lifted some social distancing restrictions in recent weeks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korean-workers-keep-busy-producing-textiles-301528">Also watch:&nbsp;North Korean workers keep busy producing textiles</a>

The latest spike in cases has been linked to a logistics facility near Seoul operated by e-commerce giant Coupang. 
The company is under scrutiny after health officials said some basic safety measures were not followed as workers rushed to fulfill a huge increase in orders driven by more online shopping.

As of midnight on Thursday, the KCDC reported 58 new cases, bringing the country's total to 11,402, with 269 deaths.

Nearly 90 percent of new cases this week have been clustered in Seoul and surrounding areas, raising concern that the densely populated capital could see a wider outbreak.

Those concerns prompted officials to close most government-run facilities like museums and galleries.

Education authorities, meanwhile, said they would press on with a phased reopening of schools, but limited the number of children allowed in some. Hundreds of schools across the country have been closed again as new cases spring up.

South Korean health authorities said on Friday they would request imports of Gilead Sciences Inc`s anti-viral drug remdesivir to treat COVID-19, as new outbreaks of the disease flare as social distancing restrictions are eased.

South Korean health authorities said on Friday they would request imports of Gilead Sciences Inc`s anti-viral drug remdesivir to treat COVID-19, as new outbreaks of the disease flare as social distancing restrictions are eased. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety must approve the import but a government panel concluded remdesivir showed positive results, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) Director Jeong Eun-kyeong said. Foster City, California-based Gilead has said the drug has improved outcomes for people suffering from the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus and has provided data suggesting it works better when given in the early stages of infection. Also watch: Lockdown measures re-implemented in South Korea as nation battles second wave Preliminary results from a trial led by the U.S. Institutes of Health showed remdesivir cut hospital stays by 31% compared with a placebo treatment, although it did not significantly improve survival. Remdesivir, which failed as a treatment for Ebola, is designed to stop some viruses making copies of themselves inside infected cells. After mounting a campaign of tracing and testing to blunt an initial wave of coronavirus infections in February and March, South Korea has seen smaller but persistent outbreaks as it has lifted some social distancing restrictions in recent weeks. Also watch: North Korean workers keep busy producing textiles The latest spike in cases has been linked to a logistics facility near Seoul operated by e-commerce giant Coupang. The company is under scrutiny after health officials said some basic safety measures were not followed as workers rushed to fulfill a huge increase in orders driven by more online shopping. As of midnight on Thursday, the KCDC reported 58 new cases, bringing the country's total to 11,402, with 269 deaths. Nearly 90 percent of new cases this week have been clustered in Seoul and surrounding areas, raising concern that the densely populated capital could see a wider outbreak. Those concerns prompted officials to close most government-run facilities like museums and galleries. Education authorities, meanwhile, said they would press on with a phased reopening of schools, but limited the number of children allowed in some. Hundreds of schools across the country have been closed again as new cases spring up.

South Korea seeks to import anti-viral remdesivir as new coronavirus cases emerge

The Mongolian health ministry has requested for Remdesivir from Indian companies, India's envoy to Mongolia M P Singh has said.&nbsp;Remdesivir though still experimental holds promise in treatment for COVID.&nbsp;

Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar, Ambassador M P Singh while talking about current collaboration during the pandemic said, "best in our relationship with Mongolia is yet to come."&nbsp;

India is also reaching out to Mongolia at the current times of COVID crisis by sending consignments of Paracetamol and HCQ to the country and offering training to its officials in COVID management.

WION: How is India and Mongolia cooperating with each other to deal with the COVID pandemic?

M P Singh: I can say that Mongolia is relatively less impacted by the COVID pandemic, the reason being they acted quite early, as early as last week of January, even before the first case broke out. So comparatively, situation here is quite better than other countries in the region and worldwide. Yes, we have received a request from Mongolia. As a matter of fact, as we speak, a consignment of Paracetamol and HCQ is on its way via Korea into Mongolia.&nbsp;

In addition, we offered to Mongolia national centre for communicable diseases which is the main centre for dealing with preparedness and management of this pandemic, we have offered them online courses which was offered by PGI Chandigarh and two of the officials have already undergone that training and in addition to this, there is request already made by the ministry of health to one or two Indian companies for supply of Remdesivir which is being used for the treatment of COVID pandemic.&nbsp;

These are some of the initiatives done, we are in regular touch with the Mongolian health ministry and national centre of Health. I personally visited that, it is the only day before we had flown in 158 Mongolian nationals from India and flown out some people from here. We are cooperating well at all levels wherever we could and with Mongolia, as you rightly said, we have a strategic partnership and it is one of the 5 countries with which Mongolia has partnership and India has a partnership with Mongolia which is strategic in nature announced during the visit of PM Modi which brought in paradigm shift into our relationship.

WION: How many Indians are stranded in Mongolia and are there any plans to repatriate them?

M P Singh: As compared to other countries, Mongolia has a small size of the Indian diaspora. They number around 200. Mostly they are professionals scattered all around. Yes, we have had requests for repatriation of Indian nationals. So far, we have repatriated five Indians about a month back and 10 Indians were evacuated in a special relief flight which was operated by Mongolian airlines to bring back own citizens. So, we have taken about 15 Indian nationals out of the country, and two more requests are pending and they are procedural in nature and once we complete will try and see how we assist those two people also.

WION: Life for Indian diplomats during COVID times in Mongolia and is it impacting interaction with Indians?

M P Singh: As I said, Mongolia has been less impacted, so life here has not been like life in India or the lockdown. We had a very small lockdown in early January and thereafter life has been relatively normal. Yes, we are using all virtual tools in our interaction. There is no ban per se on movement of Indian diplomats. Even local people can move around.

Only thing, we have to follow some norms, like wearing a mask which is mandatory. Keeping some distance and all big events are cancelled but we are able to meet freely with any of the local dignitaries including the ministers. We have been attending all of the briefings. We have certain norms--10 to 20 people in the room at a certain distance. So we are normal in other sense of the word, but doing much more business via online, through virtual mode rather than in person.&nbsp;

The Indian community is small, 200+, what we do is we remain in touch with them and we have formed a WhatsApp group in which there are about 80+ members. Separately, we post regular updates from the Mongolian government and the Indian government on the travel restrictions and the guidelines that need to be followed.&nbsp;We have also called few online sessions with representatives of Indian associations, and in-person I have met the office bearers of the only Indian association in Mongolia--The India Club. So all of these, I would say, technological tools are helping us keep the connect intact, and we are sharing updates. We remain in touch with each other.

WION: How do you see long term cooperation with Mongolia?

M P Singh: I will put you question in 2 brackets, pre-COVID and post COVID.&nbsp;

India is among the 5 countries with which Mongolia has a strategic partnership, we were the 4th country and the US the 5th. From 2015, there has been a paradigm shift in our relationship with Mongolia in all walks of lives, all aspects of the relationship. The fact that India's single largest project of assistance, outside immediate neighbourhood of 1.236 billion dollars has been made to Mongolia for construction of Mongol refinery. The first-ever Mongol refinery here capable of refining 1.5 million metric tonnes of crude speaks volume of our relationship.

We are helping Mongolia is current times, in terms of providing special assistance for providing them HCQ, Paracetamol and request pending from Mongolian health ministry to some of our companies for supply of Remdesivir. This is going on and going on I would see, this cooperation going to be expanded further for 2 reasons. One is the oil refinery, it is 1.236 billion dollars, so you can imagine the volume and its impact in every single economic activity in this country. Recently the three consignments that have come in have made them aware of India's strength in the Pharma sector. Many now call us as Pharmacy of the world. This sector is certainly going to grow.

I am glad to share news, just a few months ago acknowledging this potential, centre called India Mongolia health cooperation centre that has come up which is looking into the ways and means of our cooperation. So, the areas of cooperation will not only focus on pharma, health care medicine but will go beyond. These challenging time has provided us not only opportunity and PM has given self-reliant or atamnirbhar bharat, which is going to provide a greater framework for expanding India's cooperation into this region and especially the part of act east policy into it, so yes I see us cooperating well with Mongolia. But the best in our relationship with Mongolia is yet to come.

The Mongolian health ministry has requested for Remdesivir from Indian companies, India's envoy to Mongolia M P Singh has said. Remdesivir though still experimental holds promise in treatment for COVID.

The Mongolian health ministry has requested for Remdesivir from Indian companies, India's envoy to Mongolia M P Singh has said. Remdesivir though still experimental holds promise in treatment for COVID. Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar, Ambassador M P Singh while talking about current collaboration during the pandemic said, "best in our relationship with Mongolia is yet to come." India is also reaching out to Mongolia at the current times of COVID crisis by sending consignments of Paracetamol and HCQ to the country and offering training to its officials in COVID management. WION: How is India and Mongolia cooperating with each other to deal with the COVID pandemic? M P Singh: I can say that Mongolia is relatively less impacted by the COVID pandemic, the reason being they acted quite early, as early as last week of January, even before the first case broke out. So comparatively, situation here is quite better than other countries in the region and worldwide. Yes, we have received a request from Mongolia. As a matter of fact, as we speak, a consignment of Paracetamol and HCQ is on its way via Korea into Mongolia. In addition, we offered to Mongolia national centre for communicable diseases which is the main centre for dealing with preparedness and management of this pandemic, we have offered them online courses which was offered by PGI Chandigarh and two of the officials have already undergone that training and in addition to this, there is request already made by the ministry of health to one or two Indian companies for supply of Remdesivir which is being used for the treatment of COVID pandemic. These are some of the initiatives done, we are in regular touch with the Mongolian health ministry and national centre of Health. I personally visited that, it is the only day before we had flown in 158 Mongolian nationals from India and flown out some people from here. We are cooperating well at all levels wherever we could and with Mongolia, as you rightly said, we have a strategic partnership and it is one of the 5 countries with which Mongolia has partnership and India has a partnership with Mongolia which is strategic in nature announced during the visit of PM Modi which brought in paradigm shift into our relationship. WION: How many Indians are stranded in Mongolia and are there any plans to repatriate them? M P Singh: As compared to other countries, Mongolia has a small size of the Indian diaspora. They number around 200. Mostly they are professionals scattered all around. Yes, we have had requests for repatriation of Indian nationals. So far, we have repatriated five Indians about a month back and 10 Indians were evacuated in a special relief flight which was operated by Mongolian airlines to bring back own citizens. So, we have taken about 15 Indian nationals out of the country, and two more requests are pending and they are procedural in nature and once we complete will try and see how we assist those two people also. WION: Life for Indian diplomats during COVID times in Mongolia and is it impacting interaction with Indians? M P Singh: As I said, Mongolia has been less impacted, so life here has not been like life in India or the lockdown. We had a very small lockdown in early January and thereafter life has been relatively normal. Yes, we are using all virtual tools in our interaction. There is no ban per se on movement of Indian diplomats. Even local people can move around. Only thing, we have to follow some norms, like wearing a mask which is mandatory. Keeping some distance and all big events are cancelled but we are able to meet freely with any of the local dignitaries including the ministers. We have been attending all of the briefings. We have certain norms--10 to 20 people in the room at a certain distance. So we are normal in other sense of the word, but doing much more business via online, through virtual mode rather than in person. The Indian community is small, 200+, what we do is we remain in touch with them and we have formed a WhatsApp group in which there are about 80+ members. Separately, we post regular updates from the Mongolian government and the Indian government on the travel restrictions and the guidelines that need to be followed. We have also called few online sessions with representatives of Indian associations, and in-person I have met the office bearers of the only Indian association in Mongolia--The India Club. So all of these, I would say, technological tools are helping us keep the connect intact, and we are sharing updates. We remain in touch with each other. WION: How do you see long term cooperation with Mongolia? M P Singh: I will put you question in 2 brackets, pre-COVID and post COVID. India is among the 5 countries with which Mongolia has a strategic partnership, we were the 4th country and the US the 5th. From 2015, there has been a paradigm shift in our relationship with Mongolia in all walks of lives, all aspects of the relationship. The fact that India's single largest project of assistance, outside immediate neighbourhood of 1.236 billion dollars has been made to Mongolia for construction of Mongol refinery. The first-ever Mongol refinery here capable of refining 1.5 million metric tonnes of crude speaks volume of our relationship. We are helping Mongolia is current times, in terms of providing special assistance for providing them HCQ, Paracetamol and request pending from Mongolian health ministry to some of our companies for supply of Remdesivir. This is going on and going on I would see, this cooperation going to be expanded further for 2 reasons. One is the oil refinery, it is 1.236 billion dollars, so you can imagine the volume and its impact in every single economic activity in this country. Recently the three consignments that have come in have made them aware of India's strength in the Pharma sector. Many now call us as Pharmacy of the world. This sector is certainly going to grow. I am glad to share news, just a few months ago acknowledging this potential, centre called India Mongolia health cooperation centre that has come up which is looking into the ways and means of our cooperation. So, the areas of cooperation will not only focus on pharma, health care medicine but will go beyond. These challenging time has provided us not only opportunity and PM has given self-reliant or atamnirbhar bharat, which is going to provide a greater framework for expanding India's cooperation into this region and especially the part of act east policy into it, so yes I see us cooperating well with Mongolia. But the best in our relationship with Mongolia is yet to come.

Mongolia requests for Remdesivir used COVID treatment from Indian companies

US pharmaceutical giant Gilead Sciences may soon apply to India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) seeking marketing authorisation for its anti-viral drug remdesivir -- being considered as a potential medication for COVID-19.

Officials of the Union Health Ministry, along with the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) held a discussion with the representatives of Gilead Sciences on Wednesday to prepare a road map for introducing remdesivir in India.

The US-based company was apprised about the regulatory procedures for granting of approval to a new drug in the country and was assured of total facilitation.

"The company representatives said they will get back after discussion with their board of directors," an official said.

The medicine has been issued an Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat hospitalised COVID-19 patients.

Regulatory approval under exceptional pathway was granted by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare on May 7, on the basis of clinical data from the US.

The efficacy of remdesivir was discussed in a recent meeting of the joint-monitoring group (technical committee) headed by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and the use of the drug on COVID-19 patients was not approved due to lack of enough scientific evidence at that stage.

The Indian Council of Medical Research had earlier said anti-viral medication remdesivir which was used during Ebola outbreak may inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 replication and research on its efficacy in the treatment of COVID-19 is a part of the WHO's 'solidarity trial.'

According to a recently published study in the New England Journal of Medicine, two out of three critically ill coronavirus patients who were on oxygen support or on ventilators showed signs of improvement when they were administered remdesivir.

US pharmaceutical giant Gilead Sciences may soon apply to India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) seeking marketing authorisation for its anti-viral drug remdesivir -- being considered as a potential medication for COVID-19.

US pharmaceutical giant Gilead Sciences may soon apply to India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) seeking marketing authorisation for its anti-viral drug remdesivir -- being considered as a potential medication for COVID-19. Officials of the Union Health Ministry, along with the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) held a discussion with the representatives of Gilead Sciences on Wednesday to prepare a road map for introducing remdesivir in India. The US-based company was apprised about the regulatory procedures for granting of approval to a new drug in the country and was assured of total facilitation. "The company representatives said they will get back after discussion with their board of directors," an official said. The medicine has been issued an Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat hospitalised COVID-19 patients. Regulatory approval under exceptional pathway was granted by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare on May 7, on the basis of clinical data from the US. The efficacy of remdesivir was discussed in a recent meeting of the joint-monitoring group (technical committee) headed by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and the use of the drug on COVID-19 patients was not approved due to lack of enough scientific evidence at that stage. The Indian Council of Medical Research had earlier said anti-viral medication remdesivir which was used during Ebola outbreak may inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 replication and research on its efficacy in the treatment of COVID-19 is a part of the WHO's 'solidarity trial.' According to a recently published study in the New England Journal of Medicine, two out of three critically ill coronavirus patients who were on oxygen support or on ventilators showed signs of improvement when they were administered remdesivir.

US' Gilead Sciences likely to seek nod to market anti-viral drug remdesivir in India

The coronavirus pandemic has killed over&nbsp;2,80,000 people globally, and several drugmakers are racing to develop a viable treatment or vaccine to combat the outbreak.

With no other approved treatment for COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus, interest in remdesivir has been growing. To this end, Gilead Sciences Inc has signed a non-exclusive licensing pacts with five generic drugmakers to expand the supply of its experimental COVID-19 treatment remdesivir.

Out of these, three are based in India.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-jubilant-signs-licensing-deal-for-gileads-potential-covid-19-drug-298310">Also read |&nbsp;India's Jubilant signs licensing deal for Gilead's potential COVID-19 drug</a>

The licenses are royalty-free until the World Health Organisation declares the end of the public health emergency regarding COVID-19, or until a product other than remdesivir or a vaccine is approved to treat or prevent the disease. The licensees will also set their own prices for the generic product they produce.

Gilead’s antiviral drug remdesivir earlier this month received the US Food and Drug Administration’s emergency use authorisation to treat COVID-19 patients. 
 
WATCH:&nbsp;Watch: Why the world can't defeat the coronavirus without India

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The said pacts allow the companies to make and sell the drug in 127 countries, enhancing India's leadership in the global pharmacy market.

At present, Indian pharma holds a 15 per cent share in the world market -- a leadership position.

India's drug manufacturing capability is its new soft power. There are three distinct areas of opportunity -- pharmaceutical exports, medical tourism destination, and reaching out to vulnerable nations and offer its knowledge and supplies.

India contributes more than 20 per cent by value to the global generics market, and by volume -- supplies more than 40 per cent of United States' drugs.

Indian drugs have been exported to more than 120 countries in the world.

Also, India co-sponsored a resolution at the United Nations General Assembly. It called for a fair, transparent and equitable access to essential medical supplies and any future vaccines for the coronavirus.

As many as 179 countries have thrown their support behind this resolution now.

The coronavirus pandemic has killed over 2,80,000 people globally, and several drugmakers are racing to develop a viable treatment or vaccine to combat the outbreak.

The coronavirus pandemic has killed over 2,80,000 people globally, and several drugmakers are racing to develop a viable treatment or vaccine to combat the outbreak. With no other approved treatment for COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus, interest in remdesivir has been growing. To this end, Gilead Sciences Inc has signed a non-exclusive licensing pacts with five generic drugmakers to expand the supply of its experimental COVID-19 treatment remdesivir. Out of these, three are based in India. Also read | India's Jubilant signs licensing deal for Gilead's potential COVID-19 drug The licenses are royalty-free until the World Health Organisation declares the end of the public health emergency regarding COVID-19, or until a product other than remdesivir or a vaccine is approved to treat or prevent the disease. The licensees will also set their own prices for the generic product they produce. Gilead’s antiviral drug remdesivir earlier this month received the US Food and Drug Administration’s emergency use authorisation to treat COVID-19 patients. WATCH: Watch: Why the world can't defeat the coronavirus without India × The said pacts allow the companies to make and sell the drug in 127 countries, enhancing India's leadership in the global pharmacy market. At present, Indian pharma holds a 15 per cent share in the world market -- a leadership position. India's drug manufacturing capability is its new soft power. There are three distinct areas of opportunity -- pharmaceutical exports, medical tourism destination, and reaching out to vulnerable nations and offer its knowledge and supplies. India contributes more than 20 per cent by value to the global generics market, and by volume -- supplies more than 40 per cent of United States' drugs. Indian drugs have been exported to more than 120 countries in the world. Also, India co-sponsored a resolution at the United Nations General Assembly. It called for a fair, transparent and equitable access to essential medical supplies and any future vaccines for the coronavirus. As many as 179 countries have thrown their support behind this resolution now.

Gilead gives royalty-free licences for remdesivir to Indian firms

The Japanese government has decided to authorise remdesivir which is an antiviral drug to treat the coronavirus patients.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gilead-starts-clinical-trials-of-remdesivir-with-us-lawmakers-curious-about-selling-price-297278">Gilead starts clinical trials of Remdesivir with US lawmakers curious about selling price</a>

Japan has become the second country after the United States to authorise the drug as an emergency dose to treat the patients in severe cases.&nbsp;

"Remdesivir was approved under exceptional measures," a health, labour and welfare ministry official said.

"It was our country's first such approval for the treatment of coronavirus patients," the official told AFP.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the government was ready to show the drug a green signal to a Gilead Sciences developed drug.&nbsp;

Remdesvir, a drug administered by injection, was developed to treat Ebola and some patients who enrolled in clinical trials around the world.&nbsp;

"The Japanese approval of remdesivir is in recognition of the urgent need to treat critically ill patients in Japan. It is a reflection of the exceptional circumstances of this pandemic," said Merdad Parsey, chief medical officer at Gilead Sciences.

In the US, Remdesivir is undergoing clinical trials. America's top health expert Dr Anthony Fauci says it can block the virus.

As for Avigan, formed by Japanese firm Fujifilm Toyama Chemical, top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga said the government "aims to approve it this month" if a clinical test involving 100 patients proves efficient.

The drug, whose generic name is favipiravir, was certified for use in Japan in 2014 but only in flu outbreaks that are not being effectively addressed by existing medications.

It is not available on the market and can only be manufactured and distributed at the request of the Japanese government.

Favipiravir, which can be taken as a pill, works by blocking the ability of a virus to replicate inside a cell. It can be said that Favipiravir is Japan's answer to Remdesivir.

The Japanese government has decided to authorise remdesivir which is an antiviral drug to treat the coronavirus patients. Also read: Gilead starts clinical trials of Remdesivir with US lawmakers curious about selling price Japan has become the second country after the United States to authorise the drug as an emergency dose to treat the patients in severe cases.

The Japanese government has decided to authorise remdesivir which is an antiviral drug to treat the coronavirus patients. Also read: Gilead starts clinical trials of Remdesivir with US lawmakers curious about selling price Japan has become the second country after the United States to authorise the drug as an emergency dose to treat the patients in severe cases. "Remdesivir was approved under exceptional measures," a health, labour and welfare ministry official said. "It was our country's first such approval for the treatment of coronavirus patients," the official told AFP. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the government was ready to show the drug a green signal to a Gilead Sciences developed drug. Remdesvir, a drug administered by injection, was developed to treat Ebola and some patients who enrolled in clinical trials around the world. "The Japanese approval of remdesivir is in recognition of the urgent need to treat critically ill patients in Japan. It is a reflection of the exceptional circumstances of this pandemic," said Merdad Parsey, chief medical officer at Gilead Sciences. In the US, Remdesivir is undergoing clinical trials. America's top health expert Dr Anthony Fauci says it can block the virus. As for Avigan, formed by Japanese firm Fujifilm Toyama Chemical, top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga said the government "aims to approve it this month" if a clinical test involving 100 patients proves efficient. The drug, whose generic name is favipiravir, was certified for use in Japan in 2014 but only in flu outbreaks that are not being effectively addressed by existing medications. It is not available on the market and can only be manufactured and distributed at the request of the Japanese government. Favipiravir, which can be taken as a pill, works by blocking the ability of a virus to replicate inside a cell. It can be said that Favipiravir is Japan's answer to Remdesivir.

Japan follows United States, authorises remdesivir to help COVID-19 patients in critical stages

Experts in the US say remdesivir is effective in stopping the virus. But, lawmakers want to know how Gilead will price the drug. Will remdesivir be a 'cure' that no one can afford? WION's Palki Sharma brings you an assessment.

Gravitas: Will remdesivir be a 'cure' that no one can afford?

American authorities approved an experimental drug for emergency use on coronavirus patients, as more US states eased pandemic lockdowns despite another spike in deaths from the disease.

The approval is the latest step in a global push to find viable treatments and a vaccine for the coronavirus, which has left half of humanity under some form of lockdown, hammered the world economy, and infected more than 3.3 million people.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-death-toll-nears-65000-in-us-as-malls-theatres-open-in-texas-296215">Coronavirus death toll nears 65,000 in US as malls, theatres open in Texas</a>

Remdesivir, an antiviral drug initially developed to treat Ebola, was given the green light on Friday after a major trial found that it boosted recovery in serious COVID-19 patients.

"It's really a very promising situation," President Donald Trump said on Friday at the White House, where he was joined by Daniel O'Day, CEO of Gilead Sciences, which developed Remdesivir.

Remdesivir incorporates itself into the virus's genome, short-circuiting its replication process.

The drug approval came as the US leaders struggled with growing pressure from citizens wearying of stay-at-home orders.

With about 1.1 million confirmed coronavirus cases, nearly 65,000 of them fatal, the United States has the highest tolls of any country, and Trump is keen for a turnaround as the world's largest economy reels with tens of millions left jobless.

"Hopefully, we're going to come in below that 100,000 lives lost, which is a horrible number nevertheless," said Trump, after suggesting earlier in the week the country could expect 60,000 or 70,000 fatalities.

Texas became the largest US state yet to ease curbs, while anti-lockdown demonstrations were held in several states -- including California, where officials had re-closed beaches beginning Friday to avoid a repeat of last weekend when crowds flocked to the shoreline.

There were protests in 11 cities in California -- where more than 50,000 coronavirus cases have been reported -- with people chanting against the lockdown.

In Huntington Beach, about 35 miles (55 kilometers) south of Los Angeles, several thousand people rallied to denounce Governor Gavin Newsom's beach shutdown order.

"It was the straw that broke the camel's back," protester Monica Beilhard fumed.

"It was uncalled for, unnecessary and people out here are making that known," she said. "And we're also very much saying enough is enough, we have the right to work... and it's time for the governor to allow the healthy to be able to get back to business."

'Slow, phased' reopening&nbsp;

Like the United States, governments around the world are struggling to balance the immense political and economic pressure to ease lockdowns with the need for public health measures against the spread of the virus, which has killed more than 236,000 people.

Several European countries, including Austria, have begun to ease restrictions with authorities in some of the hardest-hit parts like Spain reporting signs that the pandemic there was slowing.

Britain announced that it had hit its target of conducting 100,000 coronavirus tests a day, a step toward eventually lifting lockdown rules in the UK -- which this week overtook Spain to record the world's third-highest death toll.

Ireland, however, extended its lockdown by two weeks to May 18, with Prime Minister Leo Varadkar saying the nation will reopen "in a slow, phased, staged way" after that.

Meanwhile in South Asia, India announced that the lockdown on its 1.3 billion people -- the world's biggest -- would continue for two more weeks from May 4.

The virus restrictions also put a damper on May Day celebrations worldwide on Friday, with many labor unions delaying their rallies and some holding online events, while a determined few hit the streets in face masks in defiance of lockdown orders.

In Cuba's capital Havana, where around a million workers and their families take part in the annual May Day march, the image of Che Guevara gazed down on an eerily silent Revolution Square.

Sharp rhetoric &nbsp;

May Day carried extra significance this year because of the staggering number of people put out of work by the pandemic, with the global economy in a tailspin and facing its worst downturn since the Great Depression.

Stock markets tumbled again on Friday after President Trump's unproven allegation that the virus may have come from a lab in Wuhan -- the central Chinese city where the disease first emerged late last year.

Beijing has rejected the accusation, and scientists believe the virus jumped from animals to humans.

The White House has accused Chinese authorities of mishandling the outbreak, "slow-walking" coronavirus data, and putting the US lives at risk.

The disease overwhelmed healthcare infrastructure when it hit the United States, putting immense pressure on doctors, nurses, and emergency responders.

Some US medics relied on past experience in other countries to fight the virus.

David Callaway, a doctor, and academic who has worked in the past on diseases in conflict-hit nations such as South Sudan and Iraq, said he found overseas epidemics easier to handle in some ways.

"Family and loved ones, you can put them in a box and you use them as a source of motivation and inspiration when things get rough, but you know they are safe," he told AFP.

"A pandemic at home, you know that your family and your loved ones are still at risk, their lives hang on the line."

American authorities approved an experimental drug for emergency use on coronavirus patients, as more US states eased pandemic lockdowns despite another spike in deaths from the disease.

American authorities approved an experimental drug for emergency use on coronavirus patients, as more US states eased pandemic lockdowns despite another spike in deaths from the disease. The approval is the latest step in a global push to find viable treatments and a vaccine for the coronavirus, which has left half of humanity under some form of lockdown, hammered the world economy, and infected more than 3.3 million people. Also read | Coronavirus death toll nears 65,000 in US as malls, theatres open in Texas Remdesivir, an antiviral drug initially developed to treat Ebola, was given the green light on Friday after a major trial found that it boosted recovery in serious COVID-19 patients. "It's really a very promising situation," President Donald Trump said on Friday at the White House, where he was joined by Daniel O'Day, CEO of Gilead Sciences, which developed Remdesivir. Remdesivir incorporates itself into the virus's genome, short-circuiting its replication process. The drug approval came as the US leaders struggled with growing pressure from citizens wearying of stay-at-home orders. With about 1.1 million confirmed coronavirus cases, nearly 65,000 of them fatal, the United States has the highest tolls of any country, and Trump is keen for a turnaround as the world's largest economy reels with tens of millions left jobless. "Hopefully, we're going to come in below that 100,000 lives lost, which is a horrible number nevertheless," said Trump, after suggesting earlier in the week the country could expect 60,000 or 70,000 fatalities. Texas became the largest US state yet to ease curbs, while anti-lockdown demonstrations were held in several states -- including California, where officials had re-closed beaches beginning Friday to avoid a repeat of last weekend when crowds flocked to the shoreline. There were protests in 11 cities in California -- where more than 50,000 coronavirus cases have been reported -- with people chanting against the lockdown. In Huntington Beach, about 35 miles (55 kilometers) south of Los Angeles, several thousand people rallied to denounce Governor Gavin Newsom's beach shutdown order. "It was the straw that broke the camel's back," protester Monica Beilhard fumed. "It was uncalled for, unnecessary and people out here are making that known," she said. "And we're also very much saying enough is enough, we have the right to work... and it's time for the governor to allow the healthy to be able to get back to business." 'Slow, phased' reopening Like the United States, governments around the world are struggling to balance the immense political and economic pressure to ease lockdowns with the need for public health measures against the spread of the virus, which has killed more than 236,000 people. Several European countries, including Austria, have begun to ease restrictions with authorities in some of the hardest-hit parts like Spain reporting signs that the pandemic there was slowing. Britain announced that it had hit its target of conducting 100,000 coronavirus tests a day, a step toward eventually lifting lockdown rules in the UK -- which this week overtook Spain to record the world's third-highest death toll. Ireland, however, extended its lockdown by two weeks to May 18, with Prime Minister Leo Varadkar saying the nation will reopen "in a slow, phased, staged way" after that. Meanwhile in South Asia, India announced that the lockdown on its 1.3 billion people -- the world's biggest -- would continue for two more weeks from May 4. The virus restrictions also put a damper on May Day celebrations worldwide on Friday, with many labor unions delaying their rallies and some holding online events, while a determined few hit the streets in face masks in defiance of lockdown orders. In Cuba's capital Havana, where around a million workers and their families take part in the annual May Day march, the image of Che Guevara gazed down on an eerily silent Revolution Square. Sharp rhetoric May Day carried extra significance this year because of the staggering number of people put out of work by the pandemic, with the global economy in a tailspin and facing its worst downturn since the Great Depression. Stock markets tumbled again on Friday after President Trump's unproven allegation that the virus may have come from a lab in Wuhan -- the central Chinese city where the disease first emerged late last year. Beijing has rejected the accusation, and scientists believe the virus jumped from animals to humans. The White House has accused Chinese authorities of mishandling the outbreak, "slow-walking" coronavirus data, and putting the US lives at risk. The disease overwhelmed healthcare infrastructure when it hit the United States, putting immense pressure on doctors, nurses, and emergency responders. Some US medics relied on past experience in other countries to fight the virus. David Callaway, a doctor, and academic who has worked in the past on diseases in conflict-hit nations such as South Sudan and Iraq, said he found overseas epidemics easier to handle in some ways. "Family and loved ones, you can put them in a box and you use them as a source of motivation and inspiration when things get rough, but you know they are safe," he told AFP. "A pandemic at home, you know that your family and your loved ones are still at risk, their lives hang on the line."

US approves Remdesivir as several states ease lockdown

A US drug trial has found that Remdesivir has a 'clear-cut' effect in stopping the Coronavirus. But, experts say doctors should not begin prescribing it to all patients.

Coronavirus Pandemic: Remdesivir showing signs of a potential COVID-19 drug

Coronavirus: Is this drug the ultimate cure? | Gravitas

Anti-viral drug remdesivir which was being hailed as the cure for the novel coronavirus, has failed its first clinical test.

According to draft documents accidentally published by the World Health Organization,&nbsp;a Chinese trial showed that the drug did not improve patients' condition or reduce the pathogen's presence in the bloodstream.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/most-patients-hospitalised-with-covid-19-had-chronic-health-issues-says-study-294411" hreflang="en">Most patients hospitalised with COVID-19 had chronic health issues, says study</a>

It showed that researchers studied 237 patients, administering the drug to 158 and comparing their progress with the remaining 79, who received a placebo.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/harvard-professor-becomes-a-billionaire-from-stake-in-company-discovering-covid-19-vaccine-294398" hreflang="en">Harvard professor becomes a billionaire from stake in company discovering Covid-19 vaccine</a>

After a month, 13.9 per cent&nbsp;of the patients taking the drug had died compared to 12.8 per cent&nbsp;of those receiving the placebo.

The trial was stopped early because of side-effects.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-vaccine-trial-on-humans-starts-in-uk-294384" hreflang="en">COVID-19 vaccine trial on humans starts in UK</a>

The&nbsp;summary of the documents which were later on removed stated, "remdesivir was not associated with clinical or virological benefits."&nbsp;

However, Gilead Sciences, the US firm which produces the drug,&nbsp;said the document had mischaracterised the study.

A spokesman for Gilead said, "the trial&nbsp;was terminated early due to low enrolment and was therefore not statistically meaningful.''

"As such, the study results are inconclusive, though trends in the data suggest a potential benefit for remdesivir, particularly among patients treated early in disease," he added.

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</ul>

Anti-viral drug remdesivir which was being hailed as the cure for the novel coronavirus, has failed its first clinical test. According to draft documents accidentally published by the World Health Organization, a Chinese trial showed that the drug did not improve patients' condition or reduce the pathogen's presence in the bloodstream.

Anti-viral drug remdesivir which was being hailed as the cure for the novel coronavirus, has failed its first clinical test. According to draft documents accidentally published by the World Health Organization, a Chinese trial showed that the drug did not improve patients' condition or reduce the pathogen's presence in the bloodstream. Also read: Most patients hospitalised with COVID-19 had chronic health issues, says study It showed that researchers studied 237 patients, administering the drug to 158 and comparing their progress with the remaining 79, who received a placebo. Also read: Harvard professor becomes a billionaire from stake in company discovering Covid-19 vaccine After a month, 13.9 per cent of the patients taking the drug had died compared to 12.8 per cent of those receiving the placebo. The trial was stopped early because of side-effects. Also read: COVID-19 vaccine trial on humans starts in UK The summary of the documents which were later on removed stated, "remdesivir was not associated with clinical or virological benefits." However, Gilead Sciences, the US firm which produces the drug, said the document had mischaracterised the study. A spokesman for Gilead said, "the trial was terminated early due to low enrolment and was therefore not statistically meaningful.'' "As such, the study results are inconclusive, though trends in the data suggest a potential benefit for remdesivir, particularly among patients treated early in disease," he added.

Anti-viral drug being hailed as coronavirus cure, fails first clinical trial

COVID-19 patients, who are being administered an experimental drug called remdesivir, have been recovering quickly, with most going home in days or a few weeks.

There is no approved therapy for COVID-19, which can cause severe pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome in some patients. But the National Institutes of Health has been organising trials of several drugs and other treatments, among them remdesivir.

The patients taking part in a clinical trial of the remdesivir drug have all had severe respiratory symptoms and fever. They were able to leave the hospital after less than a week of treatment, STAT news quoted the doctor leading the trial as saying, on Thursday.

According to CNN, the drug, made by Gilead Sciences, was tested against Ebola with little success, but multiple studies in animals showed the drug could both prevent and treat coronaviruses related to COVID-19, including SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome).

The World Health Organisation had also, in February, said remdesivir showed potential against coronavirus.

COVID-19 patients, who are being administered an experimental drug called remdesivir, have been recovering quickly, with most going home in days or a few weeks. There is no approved therapy for COVID-19, which can cause severe pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome in some patients.

COVID-19 patients, who are being administered an experimental drug called remdesivir, have been recovering quickly, with most going home in days or a few weeks. There is no approved therapy for COVID-19, which can cause severe pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome in some patients. But the National Institutes of Health has been organising trials of several drugs and other treatments, among them remdesivir. The patients taking part in a clinical trial of the remdesivir drug have all had severe respiratory symptoms and fever. They were able to leave the hospital after less than a week of treatment, STAT news quoted the doctor leading the trial as saying, on Thursday. According to CNN, the drug, made by Gilead Sciences, was tested against Ebola with little success, but multiple studies in animals showed the drug could both prevent and treat coronaviruses related to COVID-19, including SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome). The World Health Organisation had also, in February, said remdesivir showed potential against coronavirus.

COVID-19 patients recovering quickly after getting remdesivir, an experimental drug

Scientists are a step closer to finding the first effective treatments for the deadly<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-ebola-case-in-congo-city-of-goma-detected-236094"> Ebola haemorrhagic fever </a>after two potential drugs showed the survival rate of as much as 90per cent in a clinical trial in Congo.

Two experimental drugs - Regeneron's&nbsp;and a monoclonal antibody called mAb114 - were both developed using antibodies harvested from survivors of Ebola infection.

The treatments are now going to be offered to all patients in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

They showed 'clearly better' results in patients in a trial of four potential treatments being conducted during the world's second-largest Ebola outbreak in history, now entering its second year in DRC.

The drugs improved survival rates from the disease more than two other treatments being tested - ZMapp, made by Mapp Biopharmaceutical, and Remdesivir, made by Gilead Sciences&nbsp;- and those products will be now dropped, said Anthony Fauci, one of the researchers co-leading the trial.

The agency said 49per cent of the patients on ZMapp and 53per cent on remdesivir died in the study.&nbsp;

In comparison, 29per cent of the patients on REGN-EB3 and 34per cent on mAb-114 died.

Fauci, director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told reporters in a telebriefing the results were "very good news" for the fight against Ebola.

"What this means is that we do now have what look like (two) treatments for a disease for which not long ago we had no approach at all," he said.

The agency said of the patients who were brought into treatment centres with low levels of virus detected in their blood, 94per cent who got REGN-EB3 and 89per cent on mAb114 survived.

In comparison, two-thirds of the patients who got remdesivir and nearly three-fourth on ZMapp survived.

Ebola has been spreading in eastern Congo since August 2018 in an outbreak that has now become the second-largest, killing at least 1,800 people.

&nbsp;Efforts to control it have been hampered by militia violence and some local resistance to outside help.

A vast Ebola outbreak in West Africa become the world's largest-ever when it spread through Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone from 2013 to 2016 and killed more than 11,300 people.

The Congo treatment trial, which began in November last year, is being carried out by an international research group coordinated by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-health-organization-says-e-cigarettes-undoubtedly-harmful-238779">World Health Organisation </a>(WHO).

Mike Ryan, head of the WHO's emergencies programme, said the trial's positive findings were encouraging but would not be enough on their own to bring the epidemic to an end.

"The news today is fantastic. It gives us a new tool in our toolbox against Ebola, but it will not in itself stop Ebola," he told reporters.

Jeremy Farrar, director of the Wellcome Trust global health charity, also hailed the success of the trial's findings, saying they would 'undoubtedly save lives'.

"The more we learn about these two treatments, the closer we can get to turning Ebola from a terrifying disease to one that is preventable and treatable," he said in a statement.

"We won't ever get rid of Ebola but we should be able to stop these outbreaks from turning into major national and regional epidemics."

Some 681 patients at four separate treatment centres in Congo have already been enrolled in the Congo treatment clinical trial, Fauci said. The study aims to enrol a total of 725.

The decision to drop two of the trial drugs was based on data from almost 500 patients, he said, which showed that those who got REGN-EB3 or mAb114 "had a greater chance of survival compared to those participants in the other two arms".

Scientists are a step closer to finding the first effective treatments for the deadly Ebola haemorrhagic fever after two potential drugs showed the survival rate of as much as 90per cent in a clinical trial in Congo.

Scientists are a step closer to finding the first effective treatments for the deadly Ebola haemorrhagic fever after two potential drugs showed the survival rate of as much as 90per cent in a clinical trial in Congo. Two experimental drugs - Regeneron's and a monoclonal antibody called mAb114 - were both developed using antibodies harvested from survivors of Ebola infection. The treatments are now going to be offered to all patients in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. They showed 'clearly better' results in patients in a trial of four potential treatments being conducted during the world's second-largest Ebola outbreak in history, now entering its second year in DRC. The drugs improved survival rates from the disease more than two other treatments being tested - ZMapp, made by Mapp Biopharmaceutical, and Remdesivir, made by Gilead Sciences - and those products will be now dropped, said Anthony Fauci, one of the researchers co-leading the trial. The agency said 49per cent of the patients on ZMapp and 53per cent on remdesivir died in the study. In comparison, 29per cent of the patients on REGN-EB3 and 34per cent on mAb-114 died. Fauci, director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told reporters in a telebriefing the results were "very good news" for the fight against Ebola. "What this means is that we do now have what look like (two) treatments for a disease for which not long ago we had no approach at all," he said. The agency said of the patients who were brought into treatment centres with low levels of virus detected in their blood, 94per cent who got REGN-EB3 and 89per cent on mAb114 survived. In comparison, two-thirds of the patients who got remdesivir and nearly three-fourth on ZMapp survived. Ebola has been spreading in eastern Congo since August 2018 in an outbreak that has now become the second-largest, killing at least 1,800 people. Efforts to control it have been hampered by militia violence and some local resistance to outside help. A vast Ebola outbreak in West Africa become the world's largest-ever when it spread through Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone from 2013 to 2016 and killed more than 11,300 people. The Congo treatment trial, which began in November last year, is being carried out by an international research group coordinated by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Mike Ryan, head of the WHO's emergencies programme, said the trial's positive findings were encouraging but would not be enough on their own to bring the epidemic to an end. "The news today is fantastic. It gives us a new tool in our toolbox against Ebola, but it will not in itself stop Ebola," he told reporters. Jeremy Farrar, director of the Wellcome Trust global health charity, also hailed the success of the trial's findings, saying they would 'undoubtedly save lives'. "The more we learn about these two treatments, the closer we can get to turning Ebola from a terrifying disease to one that is preventable and treatable," he said in a statement. "We won't ever get rid of Ebola but we should be able to stop these outbreaks from turning into major national and regional epidemics." Some 681 patients at four separate treatment centres in Congo have already been enrolled in the Congo treatment clinical trial, Fauci said. The study aims to enrol a total of 725. The decision to drop two of the trial drugs was based on data from almost 500 patients, he said, which showed that those who got REGN-EB3 or mAb114 "had a greater chance of survival compared to those participants in the other two arms".

Scientists hail promise of first effective Ebola treatments in Congo trial

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