We recognize that the increase in remdesivir use is in line with the increase in cases of COVID-19 in hospitals
LONDON (Reuters) – Britain has rationed supplies of the antiviral drug remdesivir and is prioritizing use for COVID-19 patients who are most in need in the face of increased demand, the UK health ministry said on Tuesday.
But the government said that further supplies of remdesivir were expected this month.
Gilead Sciences’ Remdesivir has been shown to shorten hospital recovery time in severe cases of COVID-19, although it has not been shown to reduce mortality.
Remdesivir is a drug used to treat United States President Donald Trump.
However, an increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalized patients has limited supplies.
“We recognize that the increase in remdesivir use goes hand in hand with the increase in cases of COVID-19 in hospitals,” a UK health ministry spokesman said in an emailed statement.
“Despite the ample supply of remdesivir, we have asked the NHS (National Health Service) to temporarily prioritize patients to ensure those most likely to benefit have access to it.”
In July, a British health official said new drugs like remdesivir were less likely to have supply problems compared to available generic drugs that could be used to treat COVID-19, such as dexamethasone.
On Tuesday, the health ministry said that the additional criteria for use were expected to last only a few weeks, with more supplies of remdesivir running out towards the end of October, although it would depend on how many patients were hospitalized.
Source: Reuters
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Translator: Gusti Nur Cahya Aryani
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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