Efficacy and Safety of Remdesivir for COVID-19 Treatment: An Analysis of Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trials

  1. Yun Zhu
  2. Zhaowei Teng
  3. Lirong Yang
  4. Shuanglan Xu
  5. Jie Liu
  6. Yirong Teng
  7. Qinggang Hao
  8. Dake Zhao
  9. Xiaolan Li
  10. Sheng Lu
  11. Yong Zeng
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Abstract

BACKGROUND

Remdesivir, an inhibitor of viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerases, has been identified as a candidate for COVID-19 treatment. However, the therapeutic effect of remdesivir is controversial.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, from inception to June 11, 2020 for randomized controlled trials on the clinical efficacy of remdesivir. The main outcomes were discharge rate, mortality, and adverse events. This study is registered at INPLASY (INPLASY202060046).

RESULTS

Data of 1075 subjects showed that remdesivir significantly increased the discharge rate of patients with COVID-19 compared with the placebo (50.4% vs. 45.29%; relative risk [RR] 1.19 [95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05–1.34], I2 = 0.0%, P = 0.754). It also significantly decreased mortality (8.18% vs. 12.70%; RR 0.64 [95% CI, 0.44–0.92], I2 = 45.7%, P = 0.175) compared to the placebo. Data of 1296 subjects showed that remdesivir significantly decreased the occurrence of serious adverse events (RR 0.77 [95% CI, 0.63–0.94], I2 = 0.0%, P = 0.716).

CONCLUSION

Remdesivir is efficacious and safe for the treatment of COVID-19.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

This study is registered at the International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (INPLASY202060046).

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