Dexamethasone and remdesivir: finding method in the COVID-19 madness

Abstract

A pandemic produces record advances—and painful missteps. The infectious-disease community is now leading multinational randomised clinical trials whose magnitude and logistical challenges resemble those of cardiovascular medicine. They achieve enviable statistical power and speed but must sacrifice complexity and nuance to do so. Data entry must be minimal and outcomes easily measurable, precluding virological and other laboratory-based assessments. Before peer review, their potentially blunted messages are broadcast to non-experts by press releases and preprint websites run by a confusing mix of commercial and non-profit organisations.

Topics & Concepts