Benefits and harms of remdesivir in hospitalized adults with COVID-19 illness: A systematic review with meta-analysis of pivotal clinical trials

Remdesivir, a nucleotide inhibitor is widely used for treatment of COVID-19 infection. Pivotal phase III trials have been used by drug manufacturers to gain marketing approval for remdesivir. Several reviews have been published evaluating the effectiveness of remdesivir. However, there have been no reviews of the benefits and harms of remdesivir based on information in pivotal trials. Aims/Questions: To critically appraise and summarize the evidence for benefits and harms of remdesivir therapy for adults with COVID-19 illness, using evidence from pivotal clinical trials. Primary outcomes will include overall mortality and serious adverse events. Secondary outcomes will include length of hospital stay, time to death, severe disease, adverse events, discontinuation due to adverse events, and discontinuation due to other events. We will summarize adverse events across all trials and report NNTH and NNTD.