MESO action tonight, page-598

Hey Doc,

As a scientist, I find your analysis to be a little simplistic and I am hoping, not intentionally misleading.

Just a couple of clarifications:

1) Remdesmivir = nucleotide analogue with a higher binging affinity to the catalytic site than the natural substrate (Notoriously challenging to produce, involving significant investment of time, money and effort. Unfortunately, commonly undermined by selection of drug resistant mutants. Mode of action: stops viral replication

2) hydroxychloroquine = antimalarial with no antiviral activity demonstrated in humans. At most, it has been demonstrated in a mouse model, and suspected mode of action is increasing endosome acidity, preventing release of virus into the cytoplasm. Again stops viral replication

3)MSCs demonstrable immuno-modulatory effect, preventing cytokine storming in ARDS. No impact on viral replication.

Speculating that there is an equivalence in likelihood of Phase 3 outcomes is being a little loose with the science....but I do thank you for your service to the community as a health care worker during this time

Cheers
V