First Haj flight from Mangaluru takes off

The United States of America has bought almost the entire world's supply of remdesivir, one of just two drugs proven to treat COVID-19. 

“President Trump has struck an amazing deal to ensure Americans have access to the first authorised therapeutic for Covid-19,” said the US health and human services secretary, Alex Azar. 

“To the extent possible, we want to ensure that any American patient who needs remdesivir can get it. The Trump administration is doing everything in our power to learn more about life-saving therapeutics for Covid-19 and secure access to these options for the American people.”

The announcement implies that no other country in the world will be able to buy remdesivir for next three months at least.

The anti-viral drug patented by the US-based Gilead biotech firm is the only one approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to treat patients with the novel coronavirus.

The Trump administration has already shown that it is prepared to outbid and outmanoeuvre all other countries to secure the medical supplies it needs for the US.

“They’ve got access to most of the drug supply [of remdesivir], so there’s nothing for Europe,” said Dr Andrew Hill, senior visiting research fellow at Liverpool University.

Remdesivir, the first drug approved by licensing authorities in the US to treat Covid-19, is made by Gilead and has been shown to help people recover faster from the disease. 

The first 140,000 doses, supplied to drug trials around the world, have been used up. The Trump administration has now bought more than 500,000 doses, which is all of Gilead’s production for July and 90% of August and September.

Mangaluru, Jul 12: Mangaluru City Corporation Commissioner tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday.

He was suffering from fever since the last few days and today his swab results came out positive.

He is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital in the city and his condition is stated to be stable.

Mangaluru, Jan 28: Amidst nationwide agitation by ‘We, the People of India’ against contentious CAA, NRC, the women of Manglauru have decided to hold satyagrah and form a human chain in front of the office of the Deputy Commissioner in the heart of the city on January 30.

This was announced in a press conference today by activists Sajida Momin, Vidya Dinker, Terry Pais, Maria Ferandes and Suhasini Babbukatte.

The event will mark the 73rd anniversary of the martyrdom of the original Satyagrahi Mahatma Gandhi, who was assassinated by saffronite terrorist Nathuram Godse.

Ms Momin told media persons that the Satyagrah will commence at 10 a.m. to safeguard the constitution. At 4:30 p.m. a human chain will be formed.

“At 5.17p.m. when the father of the nation was gunned down 72 years ago during his evening prayer at Birla House by Godse, we will convey Gandhi’s message of unity against violence,” she said.