Health Canada approves Velkury to treat pneumonia associated with COVID-19. -Gilead Sciences

Health Canada has approved, with conditions, remdesivir (Velkury) from Gilead Sciences to treat COVID-19 patients. Remdesivir is used to treat those with pneumonia who need extra oxygen to breathe. It is the first drug the national health agency has approved to treat the coronavirus. The approval comes after an expedited six-week review of the medication, which is already being used in the U.S., Japan, and Australia.

Remdesivir is authorized for use in adults and adolescents (aged 12 years and older with a body weight of at least 40 kg). Remdesivir is administered intravenously and will be used only in healthcare facilities where patients can be closely monitored..