Texas Health Department Distributes Antiviral Drug To Treat COVID-19

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) announced on May 12 that it would distribute 1,200 vials of the drug remdesivir to 15 hospitals in 14 communities to treat patients with COVID-19.

Showing promise in early trials in speeding up the recovery time among hospitalized COVID-19 patients, the antiviral medication has been provided by the federal government.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) sent Texas 30 cases of remdesivir, enough to treat approximately 120 patients. Each case contains 40 vials of the drug.

DSHS consulted on the distribution rationale with the Texas Hospital Association, Texas Medical Association, and the Rapid Assessment Subcommittee of the Texas Task Force on Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response.

Additionally, some hospitals in Texas are able to receive remdesivir through clinical trials or the manufacturer’s expanded access program. Where that’s the case, the state supply is being directed to other facilities in the area.

This story originally published by Strategic Partnerships.