FDA Grants Emergency Authorization for Gilead's Remdesivir to Treat COVID-19
The Food and Drug Administration issues an emergency use authorization for Gilead Sciences' remdesivir, allowing doctors to administer the intravenous drug to hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Clinical data shows the treatment shortens patient recovery time by an average of four days.
The Food and Drug Administration grants emergency use authorization for Gilead Sciences' remdesivir to treat COVID-19, marking a significant step in the fight against the pandemic. President Donald Trump announces the decision in the Oval Office alongside Gilead CEO Daniel O'Day, who confirms that the company donates 1.5 million vials of the drug to help patients.
This authorization allows doctors to use the intravenous drug on hospitalized patients even though remdesivir does not have full FDA approval. Recent clinical trial data indicates that the medication shortens recovery time, with patients taking the drug recovering in an average of 11 days compared to 15 days for those who do not receive it.
White House health advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci describes the trial results as quite good news, noting that the drug sets a new standard of care. Gilead's own preliminary study of severely ill patients shows that at least 50% of those receiving a five-day dosage of remdesivir experience clinical improvement.