News

Does the Evidence Support the Hype Around Antiviral Treatments for COVID-19?

Media Advisory

Huge response to upcoming CADTH webinar on remdesivir and hydroxychloroquine shows demand among health care decision-makers for evidence on the effectiveness of these therapies.

Ottawa, Ontario — More than 1,500 people have registered for a CADTH webinar that will provide an overview of the available science behind remdesivir and hydroxychloroquine, two high-profile therapies touted as possible treatment options for COVID-19.

At a talk on May 29, Dr. Tarry Ahuja, Manager of Program Development at CADTH, will summarize recent CADTH reports on remdesivir and hydroxychloroquine, with a focus on current indications and the available clinical data.

As part of this talk, Dr. Gordon Guyatt, Distinguished Professor at McMaster University, will discuss the guideline entitled “guidelines for the treatment of patients with nonsevere and severe coronavirus disease,” published last month in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. He will also explore the challenges of evidence-based decision-making in a time of crisis, and efforts to balance potential benefits and harms.

What: CADTH Webinar — Does the Evidence Support the Hype? COVID-19 and Antiviral Treatments
Who: Dr. Gordon Guyatt
Distinguished Professor
Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact
McMaster University

Tarry Ahuja, PhD
Manager, Program Development
CADTH

When: Friday, May 29, 2020
12:00 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. EST
Where: Zoom (Details provided upon registration)

Note: Media are encouraged to request and coordinate interviews in advance.

About CADTH

CADTH is an independent, not-for-profit organization responsible for providing Canada’s health care decision-makers with objective evidence to help make informed decisions about the optimal use of drugs and medical devices in our health care system. CADTH receives funding from Canada’s federal, provincial, and territorial governments, with the exception of Quebec.

The CADTH COVID-19 web portal provides access to relevant information from both CADTH and other respected organizations. It is updated daily to reflect the rapidly evolving state of scientific evidence related to COVID-19.

For more information, please contact: CADTH Marketing and Communications, [email protected], (mobile) 613 614 6863.