The HSA approval was obtained within three weeks after Gilead filed forRemdesivir in Singapore on May 22.
Patientswho can use the drug include those with low oxygen saturation levels less thanor equal to 94 percent, or who might require supplemental oxygen or moreintensive breathing support such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) -a type of life support, or invasive mechanical ventilation, the authority said.
According to the HSA, Remdesivir is the only treatment so far shown to benefit COVID-19 patients ina robust clinical trial. As part of the conditional approval, Gilead Sciencesis required to collect the relevant safety data and to monitor the use of thedrug.
The approval was based on clinical data from the National Institute of Allergyand Infectious Diseases in the United States's global phase-three trial andanother by Gilead, the drugmaker said in a statement.
Singapore participated in both trials and enrolledabout 100 patients./.