Gilead Sciences Korea announced that its COVID-19 treatment, Veklury (remdesivir), will be covered under the national health insurance system in Korea starting October 25. This decision aims to improve access to the antiviral drug for eligible patients hospitalized with COVID-19.
The coverage applies to adult and pediatric patients aged 28 days and older, weighing at least 3 kg, who are diagnosed with COVID-19 via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. Specifically, it targets those hospitalized with pneumonia, oxygen saturation levels (SpO2) below 94 percent on room air, or requiring supplemental oxygen, mechanical ventilation, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).
Clinical Evidence Supporting Veklury's Efficacy
The inclusion of Veklury in the insurance program is based on robust clinical trial data demonstrating its efficacy and safety in treating COVID-19 patients. The ACTT-1 trial, led by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), showed that Veklury reduced recovery time by five days compared to a placebo group (from 15 to 10 days). The trial also lowered the 15-day mortality rate from 11.9 percent to 6.7 percent. Further analysis revealed a 70 percent reduction in mortality risk for patients requiring low-flow oxygen.
The PINETREE study focused on high-risk, non-hospitalized patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. It found that a three-day course of Veklury reduced the risk of hospitalization or death by 87 percent compared to placebo.
Real-world data (RWD) also supported Veklury's efficacy in reducing mortality among immunocompromised patients and in combination therapy with dexamethasone, decreasing the risk of death by 26 percent at 14 days and 24 percent at 28 days.
Global Recommendations and Dosing
Based on these findings, several global health authorities, including the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), World Health Organization (WHO), NIH, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), have recommended Veklury for COVID-19 treatment.
For patients covered under national insurance, Veklury is administered intravenously with a five-day regimen, with an optional extension to ten days if clinical symptoms persist. Adult and pediatric patients weighing 40 kg or more receive an initial 200 mg dose, followed by 100 mg daily, while smaller pediatric patients receive doses adjusted to their weight.
Cost and Access
Under the new policy, insured patients will pay a co-payment of 8,320 won ($6) per vial, while non-insured patients will pay 520,000 won per vial. For non-severe patients excluded from the insurance coverage, Veklury will be provided under limited circumstances, particularly if other treatments like Paxlovid are unavailable.
Gilead's Commitment
"From the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, Gilead Sciences Korea has ensured a stable supply of Veklury, supporting the government’s efforts to combat the pandemic," said Gilead Sciences Korea General Manager Choi Jae-yeon. "Through this new insurance coverage, we will continue collaborating with the government to strengthen the healthcare system and improve public health."
