Featured Post from Cedarville University

Covering Remdesivir – Contact an expert from Cedarville first

May 4, 2020

2 min

Zach Jenkins


There has been a lot of talk about treatment, vaccinations and drugs that are being used during the CVOID-19 pandemic.


The latest is Remdesivir – and it is getting a lot of attention.


The US's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorised emergency use of the Ebola drug remdesivir for treating the coronavirus.


The authorisation means the anti-viral drug can now be used on people who are hospitalised with severe Covid-19.


A recent clinical trial showed the drug helped shorten the recovery time for people who were seriously ill.


However, it did not significantly improve survival rates.


Experts have warned the drug - which was originally developed to treat Ebola, and is produced by Gilead pharmaceutical company in California - should not be seen as a "magic bullet" for coronavirus.




What do we know about remdesivir?


The drug did not cure Ebola, and Gilead says on its website: "Remdesivir is an experimental medicine that does not have established safety or efficacy for the treatment of any condition." Gilead also warns of possible serious side-effects.

However, President Trump has been a vocal supporter of remdesivir as a potential treatment for the coronavirus.


In its clinical trial, whose full results are yet to be released, the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) found that remdesivir cut the duration of symptoms from 15 days down to 11.


The trials involved 1,063 people at hospitals around the world - including the US, France, Italy, the UK, China and South Korea. Some patients were given the drug and others were given a placebo (dummy) treatment.


Dr Anthony Fauci who runs NIAID, said that remdesivir had "a clear-cut, significant, positive effect in diminishing the time to recovery".


However, although remdesivir may aid recovery - and possibly stop people having to be treated in intensive care - the trials did not give any clear indication whether it can prevent deaths from coronavirus.  May 02 - BBC



There are still a lot of questions to be asked:


  • When could it be ready for mass distribution?
  • How is it administered?
  • Who can get it?
  • And how much will it cost?


If you are a journalist covering this emerging issue – then let our experts help.


Dr. Zach Jenkins is an infectious disease expert at Cedarville University. He is available to speak with media about this topic – simply click on his icon to arrange an interview.



Connect with:
Zach Jenkins

Zach Jenkins

Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice & Clinical Specialist, Infectious Diseases

Dr. Zach Jenkins is an infectious disease expert who loves educating others about superbugs, antibiotic therapy, and emergency preparedness.

VaccinesSuperbugsVirusesCOVID-19Infectious Diseases

You might also like...

Check out some other posts from Cedarville University

1 min

Covering King Charles? Our Expert can Help

It's news that has shocked the world and has citizens across Britain and the Commonwealth as well  loyal watchers of the British monarchy in deep concern. This week, King Charles was diagnosed with cancer. News was released Monday in a statement from the palalce. This news will raise many questions both in the UK and abroad. Will his medical condition make him consider stepping down? Is William ready to be King? Is there still a time, place and relevance for Royals in these modern times? If you're covering - let our experts help. Dr. Glen Duerr is a citizen of three countries. He was born in the United Kingdom, moved to Canada as a teenager, and then to the United States to obtain his Ph.D. His teaching and research interests comparative politics and international relations theory. Dr. Duerr is available to speak to media regarding this topic– simply click on his icon to arrange an interview.

1 min

Progress lost? Is there any chance for lasting peace in the Middle East?

War is on again in the Middle East - and after years of talks, negotiations and most recently the Abraham Accords - has it all been lost now that war has returned? Glen Duerr, Ph.D. a Professor of International Studies at Cedarville University and a renowned expert in the areas of international relations and comparative politics, can explain the peace process and what might be next in Arab-Israeli relations. If you're covering this ongoing war and need to know more - then let us help with your questions and stories. Dr. Duerr is an expert on this subject and is available to speak to media regarding this topic– simply click on his icon to arrange an interview.

1 min

Middle East 101: Our expert walks you through centuries of tension and how we go to where we are today

There's nothing new about tensions, clashed and all out war in the Middle East. For thousands of years, it has been an area that has seen bloodshed, war and very few moments of peace. With all of the world watching the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, a quick lesson in the history of the region might help everyone understand this very complex region a little easier. It's why we sat down with Glen Duerr, Ph.D. a Professor of International Studies at Cedarville and a renowned expert in the areas of international relations and comparative politics. If you're covering this ongoing war and need to know more - then let us help with your questions and stories. Glen is an expert on this subject and is available to speak to media regarding this topic– simply click on his icon to arrange an interview.

View all posts
Powered by