This archive report was first published on 1 July 2020.
Remdesivir, a COVID-19 treatment, has been found effective in speeding recovery following clinical trials. However, the cost of the treatment is steep, with a complete dosage of six vials costing KSh 249,324 in Kenya.
According to Gilead Sciences, the California-based drugmaker, each vial of the drug costs KSh 41,523 for the United States government. This price is significantly higher than what other developed countries will pay, with a 25% discount applied to their prices.
On June 29, Gilead Sciences' CEO Daniel O'Day announced that patients will require six vials for a complete dosage of five days. The company has secured a contract with the US government for 500,000 treatment courses, which will be made available to hospitals at Gilead's price.
Interestingly, the drug was developed over 10 years ago as a treatment for hepatitis C, but its potential as an antiviral for emerging diseases was only explored later through a partnership with the government. However, Gilead maintains that the drug can only be used as an antiviral and not as an ultimate cure for COVID-19.
A clinical trial sponsored by the US government showed that the drug sped up recovery of patients by four days. This could potentially save the U.S. health system KSh 1,278,480 per patient in hospital costs.
