Developmental Toxicity Induced by Prenatal Exposure to Remdesivir in Pregnant Female Rats and Their Offspring

Remdesivir is one of the nucleoside prodrugs with a broad spectrum of activity against zoonotic and human corona-viruses. Remdesivir was the first drug to be approved for the treatment of COVID-19, and studies on hospitalized patients needing oxygen therapy have shown that it can speed up their recovery. Our study aimed to assess the development and effects of remdesivir on pregnant rats and their fetuses during the organogenesis phase of pregnancy. Thirty pregnant female rats were randomly assigned into 3 groups (n=10). These groups were control, remdesivir (10 mg/kg/rat), and remdesivir (20 mg/kg/rat). The developmental toxicity caused by remdesivir exposure was evidenced by increased resorption sites and fetuses suffering from growth retardation, and skeletal deformities. The histological Examination of the maternal placental tissues in remdesivir-treated groups revealed numerous histopathologic changes. Considering the results of our study, it appears that the risk of remdesivir to the maternal tissues and their fetuses is present but in faint type. This study is critical because there has to be a broad examination of the possible adverse effects of remdesivir due to its increasing usage in medical treatments and the related health consequences. Therefore, it is essential to investigate innovative approaches.