Ebola Drug Becomes The UK's First Approved Coronavirus Medicine

Matt Hancock today called remdesivir the 'biggest step forward' in treating Covid-19 since the outbreak spiralled out of control, after the Ebola drug became the first medicine approved for coronavirus patients in Britain. 

The Health Secretary praised the drug, which must be injected by a trained medic, saying scientific studies have already shown promising results and suggest it may speed up people's time to recovery by four days. 

Announcing the approval of the drug in tonight's Downing Street press conference, he said: 'This is probably the biggest step forward in the treatment of coronavirus since the crisis begun. 

'These are early steps but we're determined to support the science and back the projects that show promise. As you can understand, we'll be prioritising the use of this treatment where it can provide the greatest benefit.'