The drug remdesivir -- developed at UAB -- will treat some coronavirus patients in Alabama, authorities announced Tuesday. Drug maker Gilead donated a limited quantity, the Alabama Department of Public Health said.
State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris said:
"Although the total supply of remdesivir is limited, we are grateful that hospitalized COVID-19 patients with severe disease in Alabama can receive this potentially lifesaving medication. Because the quantity is limited, the physician members of the Governor's Coronavirus (COVID-19) Task Force determined a formula to distribute the allotment equitably among the state's hospitals."
An NIH clinical trial concluded that remdesivir speeds up recovery times by 31%.
Photo: ADPH