The FDA has affirmed an antiviral medication called remdesivir (Veklury) to treat COVID-19 in grown-ups and youngsters who are age 12 and more seasoned. Remdesivir might be recommended for individuals who are hospitalized with COVID-19. It's given through a needle in the skin (intravenously). The FDA has allowed a crisis use approval for the rheumatoid joint pain drug baricitinib (Olumiant) to treat COVID-19 sometimes. Baricitinib is a pill that appears to neutralize COVID-19 by decreasing irritation and having antiviral action. The FDA states baricitinib might be utilized in blend with remdesivir in individuals who are hospitalized with COVID-19 who are on mechanical ventilators or need supplemental oxygen.

Scientists are reading other possible medicines for COVID-19, including:

Antiviral drugs: In addition to remdesivir, other antiviral drugs being tested include favipiravir and merimepodib. Studies have found that the combination of lopinavir and ritonavir isn't effective.

Dexamethasone: The corticosteroid dexamethasone is one type of anti-inflammatory drug that researchers are studying to treat or prevent organ dysfunction and lung injury from inflammation. Studies have found that it reduces the risk for deaths by about 30% for people on ventilators and by about 20% for people who needed supplemental oxygen.

The U.S. National Institutes of Health has recommended this drug for people hospitalized with COVID-19 who are on mechanical ventilators or need supplemental oxygen. Other corticosteroids, such as prednisone, methylprednisolone or hydrocortisone, may be used if dexamethasone isn't available. Dexamethasone and other corticosteroids may be harmful if given for less severe COVID-19 infection.

Immune-based therapy: Researchers study the use of a type of immune-based therapy called convalescent plasma. The FDA has granted emergency use authorization for convalescent plasma therapy to treat COVID-19. Convalescent plasma is blood donated by people who've recovered from COVID-19. It is used to treat people who are ill with COVID-19 in the hospital.

Hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine: These malaria drugs were authorized for emergency use by the FDA during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the FDA withdrew that authorization when data analysis showed that the drugs are not effective for treating COVID-19. They can also cause serious heart problems.

Media Contact: 
Allison Grey 
Journal Manager 
Journal of Clinical chemistry and Laboratory Medicine
Email: jcclm@molecularbiol.com