Pharmafile.com's weekly COVID-19 news round-up

Photo by CDC

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