A federal study looking at the antiviral drug remdesivir as a treatment for the novel coronavirus is entering a new phase. About 1,000 coronavirus patients will either receive remdesivir and a placebo or a combination of remdesivir and beta interferon, both of which are injections. Another study in Hong Kong gave one group of patients beta interferon and two antiviral drugs and the second group a placebo. The first phase of the study was the phase that helped remdesivir receive emergency use authorization as a treatment for severe coronavirus patients. The second phase tested remdesivir and a placebo in comparison with remdesivir and baricitinib, an arthritis drug that helps suppress inflammation, according to The Times.

Source: Daily Mail August 18, 2020 21:57 UTC