Conclusions
As the pandemic reaches to every corner of the globe, the search for potential therapeutics and vaccines goes on. However, while Remdesivir has so far reported clinical benefit both in vitro and in vivo [8]. Based on this and on findings from recent observational [11] and randomized [14] studies, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an Emergency Use Authorization for the emergency use of remdesivir for the treatment of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. This is the first FDA authorization of an investigational drug for use in treating SARS-CoV-2 [8]. However, question marks remain over the strength of the studies and further research is needed before Remdesivir can be classed as a definite option in managing COVID-19 patients. It is unclear as to why Emergency Use Authorization has been granted for a drug which has as of yet no Randomized Clinical Trial showing any clear significant benefit.
Multiple other studies are currently ongoing for different therapeutics that may work in COVID-19, including Remdesivir. The WHO has started the largest such trial, the SOLIDARITY trial, a four-arm trial comparing remdesivir, lopinavir/ritonavir, lopinavir/ritonavir with interferon-β1a, and chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine [15]. The world waits on as the race to find an appropriate therapeutic goes on.