The Intelligence from The Economist Trial, trial again: the race for covid-19 treatments
Mar 24, 2020
Natasha Loder, Health policy editor at The Economist, and Tom Gardner, Addis Ababa correspondent, discuss pivotal issues surrounding COVID-19 treatments and Ethiopia’s ongoing conflict. They explore the rapid development of potential COVID-19 therapies and vaccines while emphasizing the complexities of distribution. Gardner sheds light on the violent turmoil in Oromia, revealing personal stories amidst government crackdowns. The duo also connects how social media is being leveraged to track the virus, raising important questions about privacy and public health.
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Drug Repurposing for COVID-19
- Existing drugs are being tested for COVID-19 treatment because they have established safety data.
- This speeds up the development process compared to creating new drugs from scratch.
Varied Applications of COVID-19 Treatments
- COVID-19 treatments could range from drugs for critically ill patients to preventative measures for healthcare workers.
- Trials are crucial to determine the most effective approach for different patient groups.
Impact of Partially Effective Treatments
- Even a partially effective drug that shortens ICU stays could significantly impact healthcare capacity.
- This could alleviate pressure on hospitals and potentially ease societal restrictions.