Remdesivir was originally developed for the treatment of Ebola Virus. Ebola virus is one of the six known species within the genus Ebolavirus. It is a rare and deadly disease in people and non-human primates. This disease was first discovered in 1976 near the Ebola River. Since then, the virus has been infecting people from time to time which leads to outbreaks in several African countries. The virus spread to people initially by a direct contact with body fluids, blood, and tissues of animals.

Studies shows that Remdesivir has the potential at inhibiting the coronavirus which has spread throughout the world this time. In December 2019, the Coronavirus Disease or also known as COVID-19 was first identified in Wuhan, China. Coronavirus is a virus that circulate among animals with some of them also known to infect humans. Bats are considered natural hosts of these viruses yet several other species of animals are also known to act as sources. COVID-19 is closely related genetically to the SAR-Cov-1 virus. The spread of the virus is person to person. It is mainly transmitted mainly via small respiratory droplets through coughing, sneezing, or people interact with each other. These droplets can be inhaled or can land on surfaces that others may come into contact with or who can then get infected when they touch their mouth, nose, or eyes. The virus can survive on different surfaces from several hours. It is known that the virus can be transmitted when people who are infected show symptoms. There is also some evidence suggesting that transmission can happen from a person that is infected even 2 days before showing symptoms. The infectious period may begin 1-2 days before symptoms appear but, people are likely most infectious during symptomatic period. Symptoms of the disease may be very mild or more serious such as:

⦁ Cough
⦁ Fever
⦁ Difficulty breathing

After exposure to the virus, the appearance of the symptoms may take up to 14 days. Some other symptoms may include:

⦁ Diarrhea
⦁ Fatigue
⦁ Aches and pains
⦁ Headache

How is Remdesivir being used in a study?
One study is evaluating Remdesivir in patients with confirmed disease who have developed more severe clinical manifestations. The other study is evaluating Remdesivir in patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection who have been hospitalized. But, they are not displaying significant clinical manifestations of disease such as an oxygen requirement.

They have initiated a randomize and double-blind trial of Remdesivir as a potential treatment of COVID-19.

Participants in the trial must have laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection and evidence involvement (rattling sounds when breathing or illness requiring mechanical ventilation). All potential participants will undergo a baseline physical exam before receiving treatment. Participants will receive 200 mg of Remdesivir intravenously on the first day of enrollment study. They will receive another 100 mg each day for the duration of hospitalization for up to 10 days total. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t yet release any approval for this medication to treat Coronavirus Disease. But still, our medical experts are doing their best to find a vaccine for the disease that has infected thousands of people already.