GP welcomes new Covid drug

AN anti viral drug, which is said to shorten the recovery time for Covid-19 patients has been welcomed by an local GP.

Remdesivir is an innovative drug that is currently undergoing clinical trials around the world, including the UK, and has been has been made available to patients in Northern Ireland.

International studies show the drug can shorten recovery time from Covid-19 by about four days.

A global clinical trial, which is continuing, found that Remdesivir cut the length of time people suffered symptoms from 15 days to 11.

The drug will be used in adults and adolescents hospitalised with severe Covid-19 infection who meet additional clinical criteria to support their recovery.

Trusts in Northern Ireland will be able to apply for access to the treatment for eligible patients.

Castlederg GP Brendan O’Hare said it is very early days with the drug, but any progress on treating Covid-19 is a welcome development.

Speaking to the UlsterHerald Dr O’Hare said, “The drug effects an enzyme that the virus uses to replicate itself in the bodies cells.

“The intial research has shown that it shortens the length of the illness from an average of 15 to 11 days.

“It is early days in terms of research but it is certainly a positive.

“It is used in hospitals but not in other circumstances, and it a welcome and positive development at this time,” concluded Dr O’Hare.

Health Minister Robin Swann welcomed the announcement the anti-viral drug Remdesivir will be available for the treatment of Covid-19.

The Minister said, “The news that patients in Northern Ireland will have access to Remdesivir through the Early Access to Medicines Scheme (EAMS) is a positive step in the fightback against Covid-19.

“It is only a few short months ago that we were first faced with this previously unknown virus.

“Amazing progress has been made in producing and delivering this anti-viral in a short timescale.

“Science has been at the forefront in these unprecedented times and it is through science that we will see breakthroughs in treatments for Covid-19.

“Patient safety will remain a priority and we will monitor the success of Remdesivir through the early access scheme and clinical trials to ensure the best results for all patients,” said Mr Swann.