Gilead rescinds orphan status request for COVID-19 drug

Gilead has rescinded its request for orphan status for its potential COVID-19 antiviral remdesivir amid a furore over its pricing should it get to market. By asking for orphan status the US pharma sparked concerns that it would charge a premium price for remdesivir, which is being trialled against the disease. Remdesivir has been described by the World Health Organisation as the best hope for a therapy, at least until a vaccine is developed. Gilead decided to rescind the request for orphan status after drug pricing campaigners accused the company of gaming US drug laws to maximise any profits made from remdesivir should it get approved.