Health

Bangladesh produces 1st generic version of remdesivir

Bangladesh-based Beximco Pharmaceuticals has become the world’s first company to produce a generic version of antiviral drug remdesivir, originally developed by US-based Gilead Sciences

Photo courtesy- social media
Photo courtesy- social media 

Bangladesh-based Beximco Pharmaceuticals has become the world's first company to produce a generic version of the antiviral drug remdesivir, originally developed by US-based Gilead Sciences, it was reported on Friday.

Remdesivir was originally designed as an Ebola treatment, the BBC reported.

Published: undefined

It works by attacking an enzyme that a virus needs in order to replicate inside our cells.

Beximco's production of the generic version will ensure quick supply of the drug to many countries in the South Asia.

A recent clinical trial in the US showed the drug helped shorten the recovery time for people who were seriously ill.

Published: undefined

However, it did not significantly improve survival rates. Experts have warned that the drug should not be seen as a "magic bullet" for coronavirus.

But in the absence of any clear treatment for COVID-19, many countries are willing to try remdesivir, said the BBC report.

Published: undefined

Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Google News, Instagram 

Join our official telegram channel (@nationalherald) and stay updated with the latest headlines

Published: undefined