Anti-viral drug Remdesivir will be now be available for the treatment of Covid-19, the Health Minister Robin Swann has announced.
International studies show the drug can shorten recovery time from Covid-19 by about four days and it is currently undergoing clinical trials around the world, including the UK.
The Minister said: "The news that patients in Northern Ireland will have access to Remdesivir through the Early Access to Medicines Scheme (EAMS) is a positive step in the fightback against Covid-19.
"It is only a few short months ago that we were first faced with this previously unknown virus. Amazing progress has been made in producing and delivering this anti-viral in a short timescale."
The drug will be available to patients who meet certain clinical criteria to support their recovery in hospital. Trusts in Northern Ireland will be able to apply for access to the treatment for eligible patients.
"Science has been at the forefront in these unprecedented times and it is through science that we will see breakthroughs in treatments for Covid-19," Minister Swann added.
"Patient safety will remain a priority and we will monitor the success of Remdesivir through the early access scheme and clinical trials to ensure the best results for all patients."
