The results of the ACTT-1 trial, which looked at the effectiveness of remdesivir as a treatment for COVID-19, have finally been published.

So far the only drug that has been shown to reduce deaths from the disease has been dexamethasone, a steroid that suppresses the immune system through its anti-inflammatory effects.

Steroids have a secondary effect on the disease — they don’t target the virus itself.

Remdesivir, on the other hand, goes straight to the cause of the disease by inhibiting the virus.