remdesivir

American  

[rem-des-uh-veer] / ˌrɛmˈdɛs ə vɪər /

noun

1. an antiviral medicine, first used to fight the Ebola virus, that prevents an RNA-based virus from reproducing within an infected cell by blocking it from replicating its viral genome.

   The hunt was on to find older antiviral drugs like remdesivir that could be repurposed to treat the new virus.

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Etymology

Origin of remdesivir

First recorded in 2015–20; rem- prefix of unknown origin + -desi- infix, probably an alteration of adenosine , designating an adenosine analog + -vir shortening of virus or viral , a combining form designating an antiviral compound; see adenosine ( def. )

Example Sentences

Its drug remdesivir, which was used to treat Covid, also inhibited the Bundibugyo strain in one lab study.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

However Geisbert said that during tests in his lab, remdesivir had "stronger in vitro data against Bundibugyo than it does for Zaire".

From Barron's • May 19, 2026

There are also other anti-COVID medications that are available, such as remdesivir, which is given intravenously, and molnupiravir, which is given orally, like Paxlovid.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 20, 2024

"That is a potential limitation for remdesivir, which is an IV drug. With a prescription, you could take an oral antiviral at home just like you would take Tylenol."

From Science Daily • Jun. 3, 2024

Dr Mark Faghy said the nine-month project would test remdesivir, which had been used to treat acute Covid.

From BBC • Oct. 12, 2023