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Gilead Sciences Inc said it started an early-stage study of its antiviral treatment against COVID-19 remdesivir that can be inhaled, for use outside hospitals.
The company said the trial, which will enroll about 60 healthy Americans ages 18 to 45, will test the drug, particularly in cases where the disease has not progressed to require hospitalization.
The drug is currently used intravenously and an inhaled formulation would be administered through a nebulizer, which could allow for easier application outside of hospitals.
The remdesivir received emergency use authorization in U.S to treat severe cases of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients.
Gilead hopes to attack the disease from the start with the inhaled form of remdesivir, by administering the drug directly to the primary site of infection.
Remdesivir would be at the forefront of fighting coronavirus after the drug helped shorten hospital recovery times in a clinical trial.
Gilead also plans to start additional clinical trials to evaluate remdesivir when used in combination with anti-inflammatory medications.
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