‘Conclusive’ trial results needed to determine effectivity of Remdesivir in COVID-19 patients

Published Jul 2, 2020 3:58:29 PM

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 2) — Early clinical trial results have shown that the antiviral drug Remdesivir appeared to have had ’positive’ effects on COVID-19 patients, but the data are not ‘conclusive’ yet, the Department of Health said Thursday.

Health spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a media forum that the drug, which was one of the drugs being tested in the Solidarity trial led by the World Health Organization, was able to shorten length of stay of COVID-19 patients in critical care units.

“Sinasabi nila na na-le-lessen ang time na naka-admit sa critical care ang isang pasiyente,” Health spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a media forum.

[Translation: They were saying that it was able to lessen the duration of a patient’s critical care unit admission.]

“Sa ngayon may mga positive na nakikita tayo para sa gamot na ito but still we cannot deduce or conclude na it is final na good talaga ang effect and we can use it,” the official added.

[Translation: Right now, we see the positive effects of this drug but we cannot deduce or conclude that the effect is really good, and we can use it.]

DOH earlier said that more than 300 patients in over 20 hospitals are currently participating in the Solidarity.

Remdesivir is the only drug that has an emergency use authorization from the US Food and Drug Administration to treat coronavirus, and it is patented by Gilead Sciences, according to a report by CNN.

United States had secured 100 percent of drug-maker Gilead Sciences’ projected production for July, and 90 percent of its production for August and September — plus more for clinical trials, CNN International reported Wednesday, citing US’ Department of Health and Human Services.

Vergeire, meanwhile, said they are still assessing whether they will procure Remdesivir.

SOURCE: https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/7/2/Remdesivir-COVID-19-patients-Philippines.html