Governor Abbott Announces Distribution of Remdesivir to 12 Hospitals in the San Antonio Area

SAN ANTONIO – Twelve hospitals in the San Antonio area will receive 63 cases of the antiviral drug Remdesivir in an effort to help COVID-19 patients recover.

This occurs after an increase in coronavirus cases over the past few weeks in the San Antonio area and in the state of Texas.

Governor Greg Abbott released a press release on Saturday about the distribution of the drug. The medication will also be distributed to Fort Duncan Regional Medical Center in Eagle Pass, authorities said.

These cases have been provided to DSHS through the US Department of Health and Human Services and will be the federal government’s sixth round of distribution.

In 448 cases, officials said this is the largest distribution of the drug so far and is sufficient to treat approximately 1,792 patients, according to a press release. This brings the state’s total to 1,425 cases distributed since May 12.

Of the 63 cases that are distributed, 59 will be in Bexar County. Three will be distributed in Comal County and one in Guadalupe.

“As Texas faces an increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, we remain committed to providing healthcare professionals with the resources they need to respond to this increase and support COVID-19 patients,” said Abbott . “The State of Texas thanks the United States Department of Health and Human Services for their continued assistance in equipping Texas hospitals with Remdesivir. As we continue to fight the virus, Texas remains committed to keeping our communities healthy and safe. “

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Remdesivir has shown promise in early trials to speed recovery time among COVID-19 patients who are hospitalized, according to the press release.

Children’s hospitals are eligible this round due to the powder formulation of the drug.

Medical staff at each hospital will determine how the medication will be used, in accordance with the Food and Drug Administration’s Emergency Use Authorization. Authorities said the drug will be given to hospitalized adults and children with serious illnesses, such as those in the ICU.

According to officials, preliminary results from a clinical trial showed that the average recovery time among patients who received Remdesivir was 11 days instead of 15 days on a placebo. The supply is part of a donation from drug maker Gilead.

RELATED: A San Antonio Man Says Antiviral Drug Remdesivir Helped Him Recover From COVID-19