WHO Advises Against Remdesivir Use for COVID-19, Citing Lack of Evidence
Geneva, Switzerland - November 20, 2023 – the World Health Organization (WHO) today issued a recommendation against the use of remdesivir in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, stating there is currently no evidence the drug improves survival or other critical outcomes. This guidance arrives despite remdesivir’s prominent use in high-profile cases, including that of former U.S.President Donald Trump during his COVID-19 infection.
The recommendation stems from a new guideline on clinical care for COVID-19, developed by an international group of experts. A WHO steering committee concluded that patients may fare better without the medication,even in severe cases. This contrasts with prior authorizations from agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Management (FDA) and its continued use in numerous countries.
Remdesivir, manufactured by Gilead Sciences, is administered intravenously and is a costly treatment. While some minor benefits have been suggested, the WHO highlights the potential for adverse effects and the lack of conclusive proof of significant betterment.
Professor Peter Horby, of Oxford University’s infectious diseases and global health department, emphasized the need to re-evaluate current remdesivir usage. He cited trials involving over 7,000 COVID-19 patients which revealed no significant benefit from the drug.The WHO’s full recommendation and supporting data are available here.
Sources: WHO, Guardian, New York Times.
