WEDNESDAY 23rd September, 2020
’ No. 106131
Modern detention facility for Lusignan PAGE
03
–– recent death of inmates ‘regrettable’, says Minister Benn
–– 140 prisoners infected with COVID-19, 80 transferred to Madewini
Remdesivir shows positive signs
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20
Coalition prevented from slashing Amerindian funds
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02
CSEC pass 18 rate up, CAPE down PAGE
GUYANA has already lost 69 persons to the dreaded novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and while the loss of life is never pleasant, there has been a small, but significant development, in the use of the remdesivir drug, which has so far shown positive signs in the treatment of COVID-19. Cardiologist, Dr. Mahendra Carpen, who is spearheading the
trials of the drug, said it was administered to nine patients and there was no adverse effect. “Patients responded good and three patients did not need oxygen or intubation after starting the drug,” said Dr. Carpen during an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Monday. According to New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), remdesivir, a nucleotide analogue
pro-drug that inhibits viral RNA polymerases, has shown in-vitro activity against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). While Guyana has been able to acquire and use hydroxychloroquine, remdesivir had been out of the country’s reach for quite some time, as the supplier has been producing only limited amounts. Most of the drugs were being consumed by the US, but Guyana
was able to acquire 240 doses of a generic version of remdesivir from India. So far, as Dr. Carpen said, there have been no adverse effects from the drug, but one patient, who was critically ill, could not be saved despite the drug’s responsiveness. Some of the patients are still under hospital supervision, but the doctor maintained that patients have been responding well.