Remdesivir

Remdesivir (pronunciation: rem-DES-ih-veer) is an antiviral drug that was originally developed by the biopharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences. It is used for the treatment of diseases caused by viral infections, including the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Etymology

The name "Remdesivir" is derived from two parts: "Rem" which is an abbreviation for "RNA-directed RNA polymerase inhibitor" and "desivir" which is a common suffix for antiviral medications.

Pharmacology

Remdesivir is a prodrug that metabolizes into its active form, GS-441524. It works by inhibiting the viral RNA polymerase, an essential protein for the replication of the virus. By blocking this protein, Remdesivir prevents the virus from multiplying inside the body.

Usage

Remdesivir was first used in the treatment of Ebola virus disease, but it was not very effective. However, it showed promising results in the treatment of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In 2020, it was approved for emergency use to treat severe cases of COVID-19 in various countries, including the United States and the European Union.

Side Effects

Like all medications, Remdesivir can cause side effects. The most common ones include nausea, vomiting, and increased levels of liver enzymes. More serious side effects can include allergic reactions and damage to the liver.

Related Terms

• Antiviral drug
• Coronavirus
• COVID-19
• Ebola virus disease
• Gilead Sciences
• Prodrug
• RNA polymerase

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Remdesivir
• Wikipedia's article - Remdesivir

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