Singapore approves use of Remdesivir for Covid-19 patients
Remdesivir is the only drug known to work against Covid-19
Singapore's Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has granted conditional approval for the antiviral drug remdesivir to be used to treat some patients infected with the novel coronavirus.
Remdesivir is the only drug known to work against Covid-19.
"The Health Sciences Authority (HSA), in consultation with its Medicines Advisory Committee, has today granted conditional approval for [the drug]," a spokesperson for the HSA said in a statement released on Wednesday, reports the CNN.
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The authority said the conditional approval would allow specialists to administer the drug to virus patients who require supplemental oxygen and more intensive breathing support. Those with levels of oxygen saturation below 94 percent are also eligible for treatment.
"Although the data on [remdesivir's] efficacy and safety is very limited at this point, HSA has expedited the review of remdesivir given the urgent public health need during the coronavirus pandemic," the spokesperson added.
Singapore confirmed 451 new cases of coronavirus on Wednesday, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 38,965.
