Some coronavirus patients who are admitted to hospital with will be given remdesivir - the anti-viral drug originally developed to fight Ebola.
The medicine has been shown to shorten recovery time among coronavirus patients.
Doctors will now be able to prescribe the drug to adults and adolescents who have severe Covid-19 infection where there is a likelihood it will benefit them.
The Department of Health and Social Care said the UK Government is working with manufacturer Gilead Sciences to supply remdesivir treatment to some NHS patients.
Earlier this month, a global clinical trial, which is continuing, found that remdesivir cut the length of time people suffered symptoms from 15 days to 11.
The trial involves around 1,000 patients from hospitals including the UK, US, France, Italy and China.
Innovation Minister Lord Bethell said: “This shows fantastic progress. As we navigate this unprecedented period, we must be on the front foot of the latest medical advancements, while always ensuring patient safety remains a top priority.
“The latest expert scientific advice is at the heart of every decision we make, and we will continue to monitor remdesivir’s success in clinical trials across the country to ensure the best results for UK patients.”
The Respiratory Clinical Trials Unit in Hull is one of the centres which runs a trial of remdesivir.
President Donald Trump has said the US government is putting its “full power and might” behind remdesivir.
Mr Trump hailed remdesivir as a "game-changer" in the fight against coronavirus and the FDA approved the drug for emergency use on hospitalised patients back in May.
