Canada got its first approved treatment for severe COVID-19 symptoms this week.
Canadian manufacturer Gilead Sciences Inc. got the approval from Health Canada to treat patients with the antiviral drug remdesivir, which is already being used in Japan, Australia, Singapore, the U.S., and other countries on an emergency and conditional basis to treat severe cases of COVID-19.
Remdesivir is recommended for Canadians aged 12 and older who have severe COVID-19 symptoms such as pneumonia, those that require extra to breathe, and that weigh at least 40 kilograms (88 pounds). According to CTV News, the drug is administered through an IV and will only be used in healthcare facilities where patients can be closely monitored.
A small number of Canadians are already receiving remdesivir through the Special Access Program. The program will no longer be required now that the drug has been approved.
Health Canada completed an expedited review of the drug and determined that the health benefits outweigh the risks.
Chief public health officer Theresa Tam warns that that further research of the drug is still needed and that side effects are still unknown.
