Gilead tests failed Ebola drug as potential coronavirus treatment

Jan. 24, 2020

Gilead Sciences revealed that it is assessing whether its experimental Ebola treatment could be used against the new coronavirus that has sickened hundreds in China.

According to a statement given to Reuters, the drugmaker is working with researchers and clinicians in the U.S. and China regarding the potential use of remdesivir in the ongoing Wuhan coronavirus outbreak.

The U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) had previously tested remdesivir in patients with Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo and found it to be ineffective. Meanwhile, clinical trials using monoclonal antibodies made by Regeneron showed promise of a 90 percent survival rate.

Gilead isn't the only drugmaker looking for a cure. Moderna and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations recently announced a collaboration to develop an mRNA vaccine against the coronavirus.

Read the Reuters coverage