Gilead Sciences is the maker of the broad anti-viral medication, Remdesivir. It is key in the fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19). It is now going to take on a larger role in that fight.
On September 14, the financial network CNBC ran an interview with Daniel O’Day. He is the Chairman and CEO. The key points are covered here. We reported on the medicine earlier this year.
In the U.S., the medicine was approved for the virus. Studies found it shortens recovery time.
Medication Production
Early in the pandemic, there was a shortage of the medicine. It has a long production process. Thus, demand could not be met. O’Day explained that it took up to seven months to manufacture.
They ramped up production to meet the demand. O’Day reports that this effort paid off. They have built a stockpile.
Treatment
Currently patients receive the medicine through a vein. They plan to change this.
They are working on a new method to deliver doses. It will be through inhalation. This will be easier and faster.
Reducing Treatment Costs
They want to make treatment easier. One method to achieve this is to provide treatments on an outpatient basis. This will bring down costs. It will also relieve pressure on the hospitals.
It is key in the fight to halt COVID-19.
Photograph of Daniel O’Day, Chairman and CEO of Gilead Sciences. Image courtesy of Gilead Sciences.