Authorities: "Expanded Use of 'Remdesivir' for Mild to Moderate Cases... No Supply Issues Expected"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] Ahead of the Omicron COVID-19 variant becoming the dominant strain, the quarantine authorities announced plans to expand the remdesivir treatment target group, stating that "even if demand increases (compared to the current level), supply can be maintained, so additional supply will not be a major issue."

On the afternoon of the 14th, Jeong Tongryeong, the general coordinator of the Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH), made this statement during a back briefing.

Jeong said, "Remdesivir was administered to about 26,700 patients last year, approximately 4.7% of all patients, and Rekkiro-na-ju (Regkirona) was given to about 36,900 patients," adding, "If a significant portion of Regkirona is replaced with remdesivir, that amount of additional supply will be needed."

On this day, the government focused on using the mild antibody treatment Regkirona, but announced plans to expand the use of remdesivir, a treatment for severe cases, to mild and moderate patients as well. Remdesivir reduces the risk of hospitalization and death by 87% when administered within 7 days of symptom onset and has been reported to be effective against Omicron.

Regarding this, Gwak Jin, head of the patient management team at the CDCH, explained, "Basically, remdesivir is not a single injection like Regkirona. It is a drug administered once daily for 5 days to severe patients. Even if expanded to mild patients, a 3-day course is necessary, so it may not be suitable for outpatient use."

Meanwhile, the quarantine authorities held a second meeting the previous day with the US Forces Korea, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, Pyeongtaek, and related local governments to strengthen quarantine management related to the US Forces Korea and discussed response measures. Jeong said, "We discussed ensuring thorough quarantine measures including managing confirmed cases within the units. We agreed to recheck the hotline system for communication."

They also reiterated the requirement for overseas arrivals starting from the 20th to present a negative PCR test result taken within 48 hours prior to departure.

Jeong added, "We requested that the COVID-19 situation among US Forces Korea be transparently shared externally by regularly providing the number of confirmed cases. Once consultations are completed, we will receive and announce the number of confirmed cases from the US military."

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