Remdesivir was widely used for hospitalised COVID-19 patients requiring supplemental oxygen. Its mechanism of action is best described as:

• A Inhibition of the viral main protease required for polyprotein cleavage
• B Induction of lethal mutagenesis during viral genome copying
• C Blockade of host ACE2 receptors preventing viral entry
• D Delayed chain termination after incorporation by viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase ✓

Explanation

Remdesivir is a nucleoside analogue prodrug converted to its active triphosphate, which is incorporated by the SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. It terminates replication after a few additional nucleotides are added, a delayed chain termination that partially evades proofreading by exoribonuclease. Nirmatrelvir inhibits the main protease instead, monoclonal antibodies block spike-ACE2 binding, and molnupiravir acts by inducing mutagenesis of viral genomes.

Reference: Katzung's Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 16th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.