Pharmafile.com’s weekly COVID-19 news round-up
pharmafile | July 15, 2020 | News story | Research and Development | COVID-19, coronavirus, vaccines
The coronavirus news this week focuses on therapeutics, with Gilead’s remdesivir reducing the risk of death in 62% of severe COVID-19 patients, while the rheumatoid arthritis drug tocilizumab reduces death rates in patients on ventilation.
In other news, Russia has become the first country to complete a COVID-19 vaccine trial on humans, according to the Russian News Agency, while scientists have warned that coronavirus could lead to a wave of brain damage in people who were infected with the virus.
1. Russia claims it has completed the first human trial for COVID-19 vaccine – Published on 13/07/20
Russia has become the first country to complete a COVID-19 vaccine trial on humans, according to the Russian News Agency.
2. Itolizumab “significantly reduced mortality” in hospitalised COVID-19 patients with respiratory distress, secures emergency use authorisation in India – Published 13/07/20
Itolizumab, a drug currently being developed by biotech firm Equillium for autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, “significantly reduced mortality” in hospitalised COVID-19 patients in an India-based clinical trial, it has emerged.
3. Remdesivir cuts death risk by 62% in coronavirus patients, new study shows – Published on 13/07/20
Gilead’s remdesivir reduced the risk of death in 62% of severe COVID-19 patients, according to a new study.
4. Arthritis drug reduces COVID-19 deaths for patients on ventilators – Published on 14/07/20
The rheumatoid arthritis drug tocilizumab reduces death rates in coronavirus patients on ventilation, according to new studies.
5. Scientists warn of brain damage linked to COVID-19 – Published on 10/07/20
COVID-19 could lead to a wave of brain damage in people who were infected with the virus.
Conor Kavanagh
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