First COVID-19 treatment drug approved in Australia could reduce hospital strain – Sydney Morning Herald

“Remdesivir is the most promising treatment option so far to reduce hospitalisation time for those suffering from severe coronavirus infections,” a press release from the TGA stated.
“While this is a major milestone in Australia’s struggle against the pandemic, it is important to emphasise that the product has not been shown to prevent coronavirus infection or relieve milder cases of infection.”
Singapore, the United States and the European Union have already approved the emergency use of the drug in severe cases.
The provisional approval – which is limited to a maximum of six years – was made on the basis of preliminary clinical data and the potential benefits for Australian patients, according to the TGA.
The drug binds to an enzyme the virus uses to make copies of its genes. Unable to copy itself, the virus is soon wiped out by the immune system.
It comes after Victoria experienced its highest number of COVID-19 cases in a single day, with 288 cases of the virus announced on Friday.
The state’s tally of active cases was pushed past 1000 for the first time to 1172. Forty-seven people are now in hospital with coronavirus, with 12 patients in intensive care.
With Liam Mannix
Ashleigh McMillan is a breaking news reporter at The Age. Got a story? Email me at [email protected]

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