Selected UK patients to access 'cutting edge' coronavirus drug remdesivir

Selected coronavirus patients within the UK National Health Service (NHS) will soon be able to gain access to a "cutting edge" drug to speed up their recovery, the UK Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said Tuesday. 

The government is working with manufacturer Gilead Sciences to supply remdesivir to the NHS, according to the DHSC statement, reports the CNN.

"The anti-viral drug remdesivir will be made available to patients meeting certain clinical criteria to support their recovery in hospital," the DHSC said.

The drug is currently being tested in clinical trials in the UK, with early data suggesting it can shorten patients' recovery time by approximately four days, the DHSC added. 

"This shows fantastic progress. As we navigate this unprecedented period, we must be on the front foot of the latest medical advancements, while always ensuring patient safety remains a top priority," UK Minister for Innovation Lord Bethell said Tuesday. 
"The latest, expert scientific advice is at the heart of every decision we make, and we will continue to monitor remdesivir's success in clinical trials across the country to ensure the best results for UK patients," he added.