remdesivir

[ rem-des-uh-veer ]

noun

1. an antiviral medicine, first used to fight the Ebola virus, that prevents an RNA-based virus from reproducing within an infected cell by blocking it from replicating its viral genome:

   The hunt was on to find older antiviral drugs like remdesivir that could be repurposed to treat the new virus.

Word History and Origins

Origin of remdesivir¹

First recorded in 2015–20; rem- prefix of unknown origin + -desi- infix, probably an alteration of adenosine , designating an adenosine analog + -vir shortening of virus or viral , a combining form designating an antiviral compound; adenosine ( def )

Example Sentences

The FDA grants emergency use authorization for the antiviral drug remdesivir for severely ill patients after preliminary findings suggest the drug can shorten hospital stays.

From Science News

When Shonray Brooks arrived at the hospital, the doctors transferred her to the intensive care unit, where she received supplementary oxygen and the antiviral medication remdesivir.

From ProPublica

So its conclusions about whether remdesivir shortens hospital stays or cuts the risk of going on a ventilator need a closer look, Brett-Major says.

From Science News

Now, with those trials already under way, the data provide support for the continued use of remdesivir in people.

From Science News

There was a trend suggesting remdesivir might speed recovery.

From Science News For Students