Health Canada has authorized the use of Gilead Sciences Canada Inc.’s remdesivir drug to treat people with severe COVID-19 symptoms.
Gillead’s remdesivir is the first drug that Health Canada has approved to treat the coronavirus. The use of remdesivir is authorized only under certain conditions, Health Canada said. It has been approved for use in adults and adolescents aged 12 years or older.
Other conditions placed on use of the drug include that Gilead ensures the continued safety, efficacy and quality of the medication. Health Canada said it will closely monitor how remdesivir is prescribed to patients and will take action if any concerns arise.
The drug has also been given emergency or conditional authorization in other countries including the United States, Japan, Europe and Australia. Some COVID-19 patients have already been treated with remdesivir under Health Canada's "?Special Access Program" that is designed to accelerate the use of new medications.
