Researcher plays down talk of anti-virus drug success
The US drug remdesivir had achieved a remarkable effect on 761 patients participating in the first day of the drug's clinical trial.


Rumor: The US drug remdesivir had achieved a remarkable effect on 761 patients participating in the first day of the drug's clinical trial.
Fact:
Remdesivir, a drug being developed by United States-based pharmaceutical company Gilead, was being tested to see whether it could be used to treat patients with pneumonia caused by the virus in Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital, in Wuhan, the outbreak epicenter, on Wednesday.
On Thursday evening rumors began spreading online saying the first day of trial had achieved a remarkable effect on 761 patients participating in the research.
But Cao Bin, vice-president of the China-Japan Friendship Hospital, dismissed this, saying research has only just started and no results have been achieved yet, according to a report by China Youth Daily.
In a statement at the end of last month, Gilead said remdesivir had not gained approval to enter the market in any country, and its safety and effectiveness had not been proven.
- China sees 2.7% increase in cross-border trips during Dragon Boat Festival holiday
- World robot carnival kicks off in Wuhan
- Greater Bay Area Aircraft unveiled to promote Hong Kong's role as 'super connector'
- Ancient Chinese martial arts find new home in Benin
- Researchers help protect Cambodian dolphins
- Pangolin protection takes pride of place