1. What is remdesivir (aka Veklury)?

2. How does remdesivir work?

3. Who will be able to use this treatment under the FDA approval? How will certain others be able to receive this treatment?

4. What effect does remdesivir have on patients who are treated with it?

5. What is hydroxychloroquine? Why shouldn’t it be used with remdesivir?

6. a) Veklury (remdesivir) is one treatment to be used along with others. It is not a cure. Many media outlets report that a “massive” WHO study finds remdesivir doesn’t work.” What important facts are omitted from these reports?
b) Why do you think many in the media frame the narrative in a way to dismiss any possible hope for remdesivir as an effective treatment, along with others, in fighting Covid-19?.

7. Do you think you would ask to be given Veklury if you were ill with Covid-19? Explain your answer.

CHALLENGE:
See the letter from Dr. Merdad Parsey, Gilead Sciences Chief Medical Officer regarding remdesivir.
Scroll down and read the sections:

• “Conclusive Evidence from Rigorous Clinical Trials” and
• “Ongoing Research Aimed at Improving Outcomes”

(Read the whole letter if possible.) What is your impression of Veklury (remdesivir) from Dr. Parsey’s explanation?