What is Remdesivir ?
Remdesivir is an anti-viral drug that prevents further replication of a virus. Remdesivir was initially developed in 2009 by Gilead Sciences in California to treat Hepatitis C. The drug never worked and remained in closed research till 2014. In 2014, it was repurposed to treat Ebola. Remdesivir has since been used to treat two diseases caused by members of the coronavirus family -- Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
How does Remdesivir work ?
Viruses have either DNA or RNA as their genetic material. Coronaviruses are RNA viruses. The novel coronavirus creates copies of itself inside the human cell with the help of an enzyme called RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). Remdesivir inhibits this enzyme and blocks the replication of the coronavirus. With Remdesivir replacing the material the virus needs, the coronavirus fails to replicate further.
Side effects of Remdesivir
Some possible side effects include increased levels of liver enzymes (which can be a sign of liver injury), allergic reactions, changes in blood pressure and heart rate, low oxygen blood levels, fever, shortness of breath, wheezing, rash, nausea, swelling of the lips, around eyes or under the skin and sweating or shivering.
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Written By- Ankit S Srivastava
A Message From Ankit S Srivastava
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