Trump Begins Remdesivir Treatment After Admission to Military Hospital

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[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] On the 2nd (local time), the White House announced that antiviral drug Remdesivir has been administered to U.S. President Donald Trump, who tested positive for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). This is the second treatment following the earlier administration of Regeneron's drug.

According to Bloomberg News, President Trump's physician Sean Conley stated in a press release that the president, who is hospitalized at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland, has started receiving Remdesivir.

Remdesivir received emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May as a treatment for COVID-19. It is primarily used for treating severe patients and has also been administered to severe cases domestically.

Dr. Conley explained, "The president does not require any oxygen supply at this time, but after consulting with experts, he chose to begin Remdesivir treatment," adding, "He has completed one dose and is resting comfortably."

In materials released the previous day, Dr. Conley disclosed that 8 grams of an antibody drug developed by the U.S. biotechnology company Regeneron were administered to President Trump. Regeneron is developing a drug to prevent early-stage COVID-19 patients from worsening to severe illness and has currently progressed to Phase 3 clinical trials. Regeneron has prior experience successfully producing antibodies for Ebola treatment.

The president's medical team used a "cocktail" therapy combining antibodies developed by Regeneron with antibodies from recovered COVID-19 patients. This approach aims to suppress the spread of the coronavirus by simultaneously administering two types of antibodies, thereby preventing progression to severe disease.

The Associated Press reported, "None of these drugs have been proven effective for COVID-19 treatment." However, Reuters explained that zinc and vitamin D help strengthen the immune system, and melatonin is a hormone that aids in regulating the body's rhythms.

Famotidine, a drug used to treat gastric ulcers, is under study as a potential COVID-19 treatment, and aspirin is a medication President Trump takes daily to reduce the risk of heart attack.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.