What you should know about remdesivir, the drug that may be used to fight coronavirus

New Delhi, Apr 01: A drug by American Pharma major, Gilead Sciences Inc, remdesivir is being seen as a potential treatment for coronavirus. One must remember that this is not a vaccine.

Let us take a look at what the drug is and when it should be out.

• Remdesivir is being manufactured by Gilead Sciences Inc
• Multiple clinic trials are on and initial results are expected next week
• WHO panel said remdesivir was considered to be the most promising therapeutic candidate
• There is pressure on Gilead Sciences not to go ahead with exclusive status
• Exclusive control will create monopoly
• Remdesivir had on March 23 received the orphan drug designation
• This status is granted to a drug that show promise in treatment
• Researchers expect the Food and Drug Administration in the US to fast track approval
• Gilead has initiated phase-III clinical trials
• Gilead Sciences held primary patents of remdesivir in more than 70 countries
• The commercial availability for India is still unknown