Description: Remdesivir (brand name Veklury) is a broad-spectrum antiviral medication. It is a prodrug, meaning it is an inactive compound that is metabolized into its active form within the body. It is administered intravenously (into a vein) by a healthcare professional.

Indication: Remdesivir is indicated for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in adults and pediatric patients who meet certain criteria. This includes hospitalized patients, as well as non-hospitalized patients who have mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and are at high risk for progression to severe disease, including hospitalization or death.

Mechanism of Action: Remdesivir is a nucleoside analog. Once it enters a cell, it is metabolized into its active form, remdesivir triphosphate. This active metabolite acts as a fake building block (an analog of adenosine triphosphate) for the virus’s genetic material (RNA). The virus, SARS-CoV-2, uses an enzyme called RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) to replicate its RNA. Remdesivir triphosphate competes with the natural building blocks and is incorporated into the new viral RNA strand. This incorporation causes delayed chain termination, which disrupts the viral replication process and prevents the virus from spreading.