Apparent China Study Failure May Not Spell End For Remdesivir COVID-19 Role

Antiviral‘s Role In Severe Patients Is Bigger Question

Apparently disappointing results from the world’s first randomized study for Gilead's remdesivir in COVID-19 have some wondering about whether antiviral can still play a decisive role in some patients with COVID-19.

Corona patient
RESULTS FROM REMDESIVIR CHINA STUDY SHOWS NO SIGNIFICANT IMPROVE IN COVID-19 MORTALITY • Source: Shutterstock

The results from the first randomized, placebo-controlled study for Gilead Sciences Inc.’s remdesivir in China have seemingly disappointed, but some say the repurposed antiviral may still go on to get a regulatory approval for COVID-19.

Originally designed to enroll 237 patients, the study was terminated early due to a lack of participants in Wuhan, the former epicenter of the global outbreak where patients have been...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Scrip for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required

More from China

Ascentage Broadens Horizons As Pipeline Shows Renewed Promise

 
• By 

Ascentage will share at ASCO new clinical data on its Bcl-2 inhibitor lisaftoclax, part of the Chinese firm's novel pipeline, on which its CEO shared with Scrip plans and strategy, along with some views on the use of RWD in China.

Strong Data For CARsgen’s CAR-T In Late-Line Gastric Cancer

 

In first confirmatory randomized controlled trial of any CAR-T therapy in solid tumors, CARsgen’s Claudin 18.2-targeting satri-cel reduced risk of death or disease progression by 63% in Chinese patients with gastric/gastroesophageal junction cancer.

Hengrui Set For Biggest Biopharma IPO So Far This Year

 

Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals is gearing up for what will be 2025's biggest biopharma IPO so far, hoping to raise up to $1.27bn on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. China's top drug maker by pipeline size plans to use part of the proceeds to reboot its overseas clinical trials ambitions.

China Biopharma Podcast

 
• By 

Join our China-based editors Dexter Yan and Xu Hu in this Chinese-language podcast looking at some of their recent interviews and other key coverage.

More from Focus On Asia

Korea Q1 Roundup: Mixed Earnings, Gearing For Possible US Tariffs

 
• By 

South Korean biopharma companies report a mostly solid first quarter, marked by US growth for original drugs, with several also making preparations for possible US pharma tariffs.

In Brief: Nicox Extends Cash Runway As Kowa Advances NCX 470 In Japan

 

Eye drug is already in Phase III trials elsewhere, with results due in Q3. Nicox could earn up to a further €24.5m in milestones and royalties from Kowa alliance.

Sun On Leqselvi US Launch Ahead, MFN Pricing And Pipeline Changes

 

Sun readies US debut of Leqselvi for alopecia areata, while PD-L1 inhibitor Unloxcyt is in the line up once the Checkpoint Therapeutics deal is completed. Management also discusses limited clarity on President Trump’s most favored nation pricing push, pipeline tweaks and M&A outlook.