Conclusions
As the pandemic reaches to every corner of the globe, the search for
potential therapeutics and vaccines goes on. However, while Remdesivir
has so far reported clinical benefit both in vitro and in vivo [8].
Based on this and on findings from recent observational [11] and
randomized [14] studies, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
has issued an Emergency Use Authorization for the emergency use of
remdesivir for the treatment of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. This is
the first FDA authorization of an investigational drug for use in
treating SARS-CoV-2 [8]. However, question marks remain over the
strength of the studies and further research is needed before Remdesivir
can be classed as a definite option in managing COVID-19 patients. It is
unclear as to why Emergency Use Authorization has been granted for a
drug which has as of yet no Randomized Clinical Trial showing any clear
significant benefit.
Multiple other studies are currently ongoing for different therapeutics
that may work in COVID-19, including Remdesivir. The WHO has started the
largest such trial, the SOLIDARITY trial, a four-arm trial comparing
remdesivir, lopinavir/ritonavir, lopinavir/ritonavir with
interferon-β1a, and chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine [15]. The
world waits on as the race to find an appropriate therapeutic goes on.