WHO makes U-turn, backs Gilead's remdesivir for certain COVID patients after new data emerges
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The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the use of Gilead Sciences' (NASDAQ:GILD) remdesivir in patients with mild or moderate COVID-19 who are at high risk of hospitalization, following publication of new data.
The WHO said it had previously suggested against the use of remdesivir in all patients with COVID-19 regardless of disease severity, as the evidence at that time showed little or no effect on mortality.

The agency said in an April 22 press release that following publication of new data from a trial looking at the outcome of admission to hospital, WHO updated its recommendation.
The WHO noted that the recommendation for use of remdesivir, sold as Veklury, in patients with severe or critical COVID-19 is currently under review.
The WHO also backed the use of Pfizer's antiviral pill Paxlovid for certain COVID patients but raised concerns on the drug's access and pricing and availability in low- and middle-income countries.