Switzerland fast-tracks antiviral medication against Covid-19
Remdesivir has already been granted temporary approval in other countries.
Keystone / Marcel Kusch
The Swiss health authorities have granted approval for the remdesivir drug in “record time” for treating coronavirus patients. The temporary authorisation to widen the use of the antiviral drug will be closely monitored in case of adverse side effects.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/mga
Swissmedic, the agency that oversees the use of medicaments in Switzerland, took days to fast-track approval of the drug, which is produced under the brand name Veklury by US biopharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences. The application for its extended use was only received on Monday.
It can now be used for a limited period of time to treat patients suffering from SARS-CoV-2-related pneumonia who also require oxygen.
The drug has been authorized for emergency use in the United States, India, Singapore, South Korea and Japan and has been recommended by the European Medicines Agency to treat coronavirus patients in the EU.
Swissmedic said on Thursday that it had conducted a “careful review in record time” of the drug. Hospital doctors have now been given the green light to administer the treatment. “Adverse reactions to the drug will be closely monitored in order to ensure patient safety,” read a statement.
“The product will also be made available to patients outside approved clinical trials and the approved compassionate use programme while the submitted authorisation application is being reviewed,” it added.
Clinical trials in the US on medicaments containing the active ingredient remdesivir found that the hospital stay of severely affected Covid-19 patients was shortened in almost a third of cases.
Popular Stories
More
Foreign affairs
European nations snub Swiss-made weapons over Ukraine restrictions
Is reforming the Swiss pension system still possible, and if so, how?
Solutions still need to be found to meet the challenge of an ageing population and to improve the pensions of low-paid workers, the majority of whom are women.
What do you think Switzerland’s Alain Berset can bring to the Council of Europe?
The former interior minister is to become the first Swiss Secretary General of the Council of Europe – which issues should his five-year term focus on?
Swiss canton wants to test collection of electronic signatures for initiatives
This content was published on
St Gallen wants to become the first Swiss canton to use electronic signatures (e-collecting) for referendums or initiatives.
Swiss government launches attempt to secure 2038 Winter Olympics
This content was published on
After failing to host the Winter Olympics in 2030 and 2034, Switzerland is trying again - this time for the 2038 Winter Games.
Study highlights Swiss cantons’ failings over adoptions from India
This content was published on
A Swiss study released on Friday has revealed that cantons Thurgau and Zurich are responsible for shortcomings linked to adoptions of children from India.
Glacier melt causes changes to Swiss-Italian border
This content was published on
Switzerland has adapted its borders with Italy and France. The changes with Italy are linked to melting glaciers, while those with France concern a tram line and rivers in the Geneva region.
Zermatt restaurateurs sentenced for defying Covid-19 measures
This content was published on
A Swiss court has given three restaurateurs in Zermatt, who were arrested in 2021 after repeatedly ignoring police orders to close their establishment, suspended sentences and fines.
Report: one in five Swiss tunnels damaged, but safe
This content was published on
According to Switzerland's Federal Roads Office (Astra), national roads are in good condition overall. Almost one in five tunnels has moderate damage but they are safe, it said on Thursday.
Swiss couple sentenced for enslaving two housekeepers
This content was published on
A 46-year-old Swiss man has received a three year sentence, including nine months in jail, for exploiting, locking up and handcuffing two housekeepers he brought to Switzerland between 2018 and 2019.
Zurich Film Festival drops screening of ‘Russians at War’ documentary
This content was published on
The organisers of the Zurich Film Festival have decided not to show the controversial documentary Russians at War due to "safety considerations",
Swiss air traffic control upgrade slows tempo for safety reasons
This content was published on
The upgrade of Switzerland’s air traffic control system will take longer than anticipated following a series of malfunctions.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Sixteen Swiss hospitals take part in coronavirus global Solidarity trial
This content was published on
Some 1,000 patients in Switzerland are expected to participate in trials of experimental treatments for Covid-19 as part of global Solidarity trial.
Fight over rights to Covid-19 drugs puts Switzerland in a tough spot
This content was published on
As calls mount for equitable access, Switzerland is caught between established practice and global solidarity in how to encourage medical innovation.
This content was published on
Swiss scientists and drug companies are playing an important role in the global effort to develop treatments or a vaccine for the virus.
Swiss hospitals launch drug trial to prevent Covid-19 infection
This content was published on
Researchers in Geneva and Basel have launched a clinical trial to test two drugs on people that have been in contact with Covid-19 patients.
Novartis steps up coronavirus fight as part of new collaboration
This content was published on
Several big pharmaceutical companies have joined forces with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Balancing hope and science in the search for a coronavirus cure
This content was published on
The debate surrounding the antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine epitomises companies' balancing act between hope and scientific realities.
Covid-19 is both threat and opportunity for Swiss biotech
This content was published on
Although the coronavirus pandemic is the Swiss biotech industry’s time to shine, it has left many smaller firms struggling to survive.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.