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No other country will have the ability to buy remdesivir, a key Covid-19 drug for the next three months. This is because the United States has bought up the entire stock. However, this leaves none behind for Europe, the UK, or the rest of the world.
Remdesivir is one of two drugs that have been proven to work against Covid-19. As a result, the US has now bought up virtually all stocks of the drug for the next three months. Unfortunately, this means other countries across the world will have no access.
Campaigners and experts alike are alarmed by this move and the wider implications it might cause. However, the Trump admin has made it clear that they plan to outmaneuver and outbid all other countries to secure supplies for the United States.
Dr. Andrew Hill, a senior visiting research fellow at Liverpool University, said, “They’ve got access to most of the drug supply [of remdesivir], so there’s nothing for Europe.”
Remdesivir is made by Gilead. It is the first drug approved by licensing authorities in the United States to treat Covid-19. It has been shown to help people recover faster, and the first 140,000 doses have already been used up during drug trials around the world.
Gilead production for July and 90% of August and September is 500,000 doses. However, the entire amount has been purchased by the United States. This is bad news for other countries.
Related: Gilead Announces Pricing Plan for Coronavirus Drug
Alex Azar, the US health and human services secretary, offered a statement about the purchase.
“President Trump has struck an amazing deal to ensure Americans have access to the first authorized therapeutic for Covid-19. To the extent possible, we want to ensure that any American patient who needs remdesivir can get it.
“The Trump administration is doing everything in our power to learn more about life-saving therapeutics for Covid-19 and secure access to these options for the American people.”
The drug, initially invented to treat Ebola, is under patent to Gilead. As a result, no other company can make it, and the cost is around $3,200 per treatment. The Trump admin’s purchase comes as the coronavirus epidemic continues to spiral out of control in the United States.
Unfortunately, the virus can’t be contained by something like air filters. Instead, more urgent care is needed. Experts warn that America needs to turn things around. And fast. Otherwise, it may be too late.
“We are going in the wrong direction,” said Anthony Fauci, the country’s leading public health expert.
“I would not be surprised if we go up to 100,000 a day if this does not turn around,” he said. “It is going to be very disturbing, I guarantee you that.”
As a result, Americans will pay the ultimate price if the virus isn’t soon controlled. But, are Americans willing to do what needs to be done? Many still refuse to wear a mask.
Related: Fauci Warns Covid-19 Vaccine ‘Unlikely’ to Achieve Herd Immunity
