Explainer: What is Remdesivir and how does it treat COVID-19

COVID-19 is an RNA virus that uses nucleosides to build its genetic material. It relies on the enzyme polymerase to replicate its RNA. Remdesivir, an antiviral drug, mimics nucleosides and can trick polymerase, halting RNA replication and suppressing the virus. Preliminary results suggest remdesivir improves patient survival and recovery time.

What type of virus is COVID-19?

• Lipid virus

• DNA virus

• Protein virus

• RNA virus

What role does polymerase play in the replication of COVID-19?

• It destroys the virus

• It builds the virus's lipid layer

• It helps replicate the virus's RNA

• It prevents the virus from entering cells

How does remdesivir interfere with the replication of the virus?

• By blocking the virus's entry into cells

• By enhancing the virus's protein synthesis

• By mimicking adenosine and halting RNA replication

• By destroying the virus's lipid layer

What is remdesivir structurally similar to?

• Carbohydrates

• Nucleosides

• Lipids

• Proteins

What did preliminary results suggest about remdesivir's effect on patients?

• It caused severe side effects

• It improved survival rates and recovery times

• It worsened patient conditions

• It had no effect