WHO to Soon Release Guidelines on the Use of 'Remdesivir' Amid Controversy Over COVID-19 Treatment Effectiveness

Remdesivir. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Hanah Na] Amid controversy over the antiviral drug Remdesivir's effectiveness in treating the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that it will issue usage guidelines regarding the use of Remdesivir as a treatment for COVID-19.

On the 23rd (local time), according to Reuters and other sources, Janet Diaz, head of the WHO clinical treatment response team, stated in a video briefing, "A WHO panel will convene next week to review the evidence on Remdesivir's efficacy," adding, "The guidelines are expected to be released within 3 to 4 weeks."

On the 15th, WHO announced that Remdesivir has little effect in reducing the hospitalization period and mortality rate of COVID-19 patients. According to WHO, in a trial involving 11,266 COVID-19 patients, Remdesivir did not reduce the length of hospital stays or lower mortality rates.

However, on the 22nd, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially approved Remdesivir as a treatment for hospitalized COVID-19 patients. It is the first drug approved in the U.S. for COVID-19 treatment.

It is also known that former U.S. President Donald Trump, who was diagnosed with COVID-19, used Remdesivir during his treatment process.

Meanwhile, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) stated that there is scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of Remdesivir and that there is no immediate need to change domestic treatment guidelines.

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