A review on Remdesivir (GS-5734) for the treatment of Covid-19

Abstract

The COVID-19 has caused a lot of fear and unease among people all around the globe. This disease is caused by the virus called Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Since new viruses are emerging from animal reservoirs causing diseases in humans with increasing mortality rate there is an urgent need to find an antiviral drug with a broad spectrum activity. Hence, this review article discusses about the antiviral drug remdesivir which has shown a broad spectrum activity. Remdesivir is currently approved by the FDA for the treatment of patients suffering from severe Covid-19. The scope of this review is to discuss the risks and benefits of using the drug Remdesivir, whether the treatment with it reduces mortality, whether it can reduce the time of hospitalized patients, the possible adverse effects and whether it can be used as a prophylactic agent for healthcare professionals concerned with screening and management of Covid 19 positive patients and susceptible individuals who have a high risk of developing Covid-19 will be discussed. Since this is the first and only drug that has been approved by FDA, Remdesivir should be used in patients with Covid 19 with caution owning the side effects and limited data available on it. More research should be conducted to find another drug or vaccine which would be more beneficial for patients with Covid19