Gilead launches early-stage study of inhaled remdesivir

• Gilead Sciences (GILD -1.1%) has initiated a U.S. Phase 1a clinical trial evaluating an inhalable formulation of antiviral remdesivir in 60 healthy volunteers between the ages of 18 and 45.
• The company says an inhalable version may enable more targeted and accessible administration in non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients and lower systemic exposure to the drug.
• The intravenous formulation remains the only medicine approved in the U.S. for emergency use in hospitalized patients, receiving the FDA nod on May 1.