M’sia Chosen To Test New Covid-19 Drug Potency In Massive Global Trial By WHO

WHO Chooses Malaysia To Test Effectiveness Of New Drug On Covid-19 Patients As Part Of Global Trial

The world is scrambling to find a cure for the Covid-19 coronavirus that has caused more than 27,000 deaths worldwide.

As part of their efforts, the World Health Organization (WHO) has appointed Malaysia as one of the countries to trial the effectiveness of Remdesivir — a new drug for Covid-19 patients.

Malaysia to treat Covid-19 patients with a new drug
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According to a report by The Star, the National Security Council (NSC) revealed that Malaysia was chosen for its ability to take on the research.

Malaysia Health Ministry to monitor effectiveness of drug after WHO appointment

Director-General of Health Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said Covid-19 patients will be treated with Remdesivir during the trial.

Covid-19 has caused more than 27,000 deaths globally
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The Ministry of Health will examine its effectiveness, as well as any side effects that may arise.

Appointment is part of WHO’s global SOLIDARITY trial

Dr Noor Hisham explained in a Facebook post on Friday (27 Mar) that WHO announced SOLIDARITY — a global megatrial of the top 4 coronavirus treatments.

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He called it an “all-out, coordinated push to collect robust scientific data rapidly during a pandemic”.

WHO is focusing on 4 therapies to curb the coronavirus:

• Remdesivir, an experimental antiviral compound
• Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine malaria medications
• A combination of 2 HIV drugs, lopinavir and ritonavir
• A combination of lopinavir and ritonavir with interferon-beta, an immune system messenger that can help cripple viruses

Designed to be simple for overwhelmed healthcare systems, SOLIDARITY will involve the participation of thousands of patients worldwide.

Hopefully there will be a cure soon

With the Covid-19 pandemic not abating anytime soon, an anti-coronavirus drug is the miracle we need now.

Hopefully the global megatrial succeeds and unearths a cure to save the thousands still affected.

Featured image adapted from The Star.