Gilead halting compassionate use for remdesivir

American patients severely ill with the novel coronavirus have, to date, been able to take Gilead Sciences’ experimental antiviral, remdesivir, on a compassionate use basis. That program is now temporarily on pause due to “overwhelming demand,” the company said yesterday. It’s now developing a new “expanded access” system to allow patients access to the drug in a similar timeframe, STAT’s Matthew Herper writes.

Five different remdesivir trials are underway around the world, with the first readout due in April.

Despite the suspension of compassionate use, Gilead said it will make exceptions for children under 18 years and pregnant women.