This systematic review and meta-analysis pooled data from 7 studies involving a total of 3686 patients hospitalised with moderate-to-severe COVID-19 and compared the effectiveness and safety of remdesivir with placebo or standard treatment.

Although treatment with remdesivir was associated with an increase in the early clinical recovery rate, reduction in the risk of early mortality and a lower likelihood of requiring high-flow supplemental oxygen and invasive mechanical ventilation compared to the placebo or standard care, there was no significant difference in reducing mortality on day 28 for patients with COVID-19.

Remdesivir-treated patients also showed less common serious adverse effects than patients treated with the placebo or standard care.