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Remdesivir---Overview of the most debatable Antiviral of Recent Times
  • DWAIPAYAN SARATHI CHAKRABORTY,
  • SHOUVIK CHOUDHURY,
  • SANDEEP LAHIRY
DWAIPAYAN SARATHI CHAKRABORTY

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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SHOUVIK CHOUDHURY
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SANDEEP LAHIRY
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Abstract

Viral infections constitute the biggest pandemic threat in the modern era due to lack of novel ‘broad-spectrum’ antiviral agents. Remdesivir is newer antiviral drug acts as RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) inhibitor, targeting the viral genome replication process. Therapeutic efficacy was first demonstrated by suppressing viral replication in Ebola infected infected rhesus monkeys. Then further studies show its efficacy against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)-CoV and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). It is available for parenteral application with reasonable safety and tolerability profile. Recently the drug has received emergency use authorization from USFDA for the treatment of suspected or laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 in adults and children hospitalized with severe disease due to lack of other approved treatment options. Multiple clinical trials are going on in many countries to evaluate its efficacy, safety and tolerability. Results are awaited in most cases and if the drug becomes a success it will be capable of meeting the demand generated by both the current pandemic and future outbreak.