Reuters reports that Gilead Sciences is working on easier-to-administer versions of its antiviral medication, remdesivir, for COVID-19. The company says the new forms could be used outside hospital settings, including ones that can be inhaled. The FDA approved the drug for emergency use for coronavirus cases early in May.

Remdesivir is the only drug so far that has consistently shown to help patients with COVID-19. Since the early trials of the drug, improvement in patients' conditions have already been evident. Furthermore, Gilead and other companies are looking for more ways to make the drug more efficient. Drug companies such as Roche and Eli Lilly and Co are testing other medications to be used in conjunction with remdesivir.

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Early Treatment of COVID-19 Using Remdesivir

Gilead is also looking at treating the virus earlier. Like other antivirals such as the influenza pill Tamiflu, some medications work best when given as soon as possible after someone becomes affected.

In a statement on Monday, the company said it is exploring alternative ways to use remdesivir earlier in the course of the disease. Gilead confirmed in an email that it is researching an inhaled version, but did not give further details regarding the matter. Scientists hope that it could aid in treating patients without the need to go to hospitals.

Furthermore, Chief Medical Officer, Merdad Parsey, and Chief Financial Officer, Andrew Dickinson, were doing interviews with Wall Street analysts during the recent weeks to discuss the plans, which are still in its early stages.

The company says it is also looking into pediatric studies to cater to younger patients with the coronavirus. Gilead says it will continue to share emerging data with administrative authorities to team up catering to the needs of coronavirus patients worldwide.

For Nebulizers and Subcutaneous Injections

Representatives from the company have mentioned exploring making subcutaneous injection formulations and dry powder versions of remdesivir for inhalation in the long term. On the contrary, the drug cannot be manufactured in pill form because its chemical makeup would only degrade once it reached the liver. 

Moreover, intravenous forms of the drug are only permissible in hospitals. As for the short term, the company is analyzing how to convert its existing IV formulation to be diluted for use with a nebulizer.

Scientists say that administering remdesivir through nebulizer would make the drug directly available to the upper airways and lung tissues. They add that it would also permit early treatment for coronavirus patients at home. 

According to Michael Yee, a Jefferies analyst, many people are looking forward to an inhaled formulation of the drug, however, adding the demand might be definite as many people with the infection require minimal treatment.

Furthermore, he adds that Gilead is expanding its capacity to supply remdesivir and has begun negotiating with governments around the world regarding commercial pricing. On Monday, the company reported the results from their phase three trial of remdesivir. 

Scientists noted that their results showed that IV remdesivir provided benefits for patients hospitalized with moderate COVID-19 compared to standard care. 

Also Read: Gilead's Trials on Remdesivir to End in May; Worries on Access to the Drug Now Arises