Dariana Gonzalez 
In the process of finding normality and adjustments during these unprecedented times, one might question whether or not we are actually contributing to slowing the spread of this virus as we continue to follow CDC guidelines. While the country continues to execute plans to offer the vaccine to the entire population, let’s elaborate on what progress has been made in terms of treatment options for patients who catch COVID-19.
What treatment is out to the public?
For now, the only FDA approved treatment for COVID-19 is Remdesivir (Veklury). Remdesivir (Veklury) is being given to adults and pediatric patients over the age of 12 that meet the minimum weight requirement to treat and slow the virus in a hospital setting. In addition to this, healthcare providers can also treat patients via EUAs if legal requirements have been met. This means that medication that has its own EUA status or has been approved to treat other illnesses, can now be used to treat patients with COVID-19.
The treatments being used outside of hospital settings include: Bamlanivimab and Casirivimab combined with Imdevimab. These two treatments are administered to patients at high risk of disease progression or serious illness. Another treatment option currently being used is Dexamethasone. This is a steroid medication being used to prevent the injuries that are made on the body as a result of COVID-19.
Despite all the treatment that has been made available to lessen the symptoms of COVID-19, there is still much more to be done. In the meantime, be sure to contribute toward slowing the spread of this virus that has overtaken the world by remembering to practice social distancing and following other safety guidelines.
Ongoing studies around the globe
In a previous blog post, we mentioned two vaccine candidates currently having Emergency use Authorization on their vaccines, but the work does not end there. While Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna gained their status in December of 2020, scientists continue to focus on antiviral medication that can be used to treat COVID-19. Further research is being done to determine which antiviral medications on the market can aid in slowing or preventing COVID-19. One study found that using Fluvoxamine, a drug commonly used to treat obsessive/compulsive disorder, has effectively reduced the symptoms caused by contracting COVID-19.
In addition, scientists have recently created the EIDD-2801 drug. This drug has been successful in its testing on mice to reduce multiple coronaviruses' replication, including the newest stand, SARS_CoV-2. Unlike Remdesivir (Veklury), EIDD-2801 can be taken by mouth, which allows for accessibility to a significantly larger population.
Learn about how you can contribute today!
Centex has COVID-19 treatment studies enrolling in South Houston, North Houston, Lake Charles, and McAllen. Volunteers who are eligible for the studies and choose to participate could have access to the study medication from the Centex medical team at no cost.
There is also compensation available to participants for their study-related time and travel. Volunteer for research today!
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/treatments-for-severe-illness.html
https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-treatment-covid-19