Remdesivir injection explained: 8 basic things to know about the high-demand COVID-19 drug

Did you know Remdesivir became the first drug to obtain The US Food and Drug Administration's formal clearance for treating coronavirus? Here are seven other things to know about the life-saving drug against coronavirus.

#1 WHAT IS REMDESIVIR? Originally created to treat Hepatitis C in 2009, the anti-viral drug was declared a failure until it was found effective against Ebola in 2014. Ever since it is being used to treat diseases caused by Middle East Respiratory Syndrome 

#2 WHY IS REMDESIVIR IMPORTANT? Gilead Sciences Inc’s Remdesivir became the first drug to obtain The US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) formal clearance for treating coronavirus in October 2020.

#3 HOW EFFECTIVE IS REMDESIVIR? According to a study by the US National Institutes of Health, Remdesivir can cut the recovery time for COVID-19 patients by five days from 15 days to 10 on average.

#4 WHAT ABOUT USAGE IN INDIA? National Clinical Management Protocol for Covid-19 which acts as India's guiding document for the treatment of coronavirus patients has approved the use of Remdesivir.

#5 WHO IS MAKING REMDESIVIR? Seven Indian companies -- Mylan, Hetero, Jubilant Life Sciences, Cipla, Dr Reddy's, Zydus Cadila and Sun Pharma -- produce Remdesivir injections.

#6 HOW DOES REMDESIVIR FIGHT COVID-19? The novel coronavirus creates replicates itself inside the human body with the help of RNA polymerase enzymes. Remdesivir inhibits this enzyme and blocks the replication of the virus.

#7 WHO CAN USE REMDESIVIR? The Centre has said Remdesivir should be given only to serious Covid-19 patients who require oxygen support.

#8 ARE WE EXPORTING REMDESIVIR? In an effort to fight the unavailability of Remdesivir in the country, the Centre banned the export of the drug on April 11.