Hyderabad-Based Hetero Gets Regulatory Nod To Make Gilead’s COVID-19 Drug

Hyderabad-based drug maker Hetero mentioned on Sunday that it had acquired approval of regulator Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) to fabricate and market investigational antiviral drugs Remdesivir for the therapy of COVID-19 illness. The firm mentioned in a press launch that its generic model of US-based Gilead Science’s experimental COVID-19 therapy Remdesivir will likely be marketed beneath model identify Covifor in India. Covifor will likely be accessible in 100 milligram vials (injectable) which need to be administered intravenously in a hospital setting beneath the supervision of a healthcare practitioner, it mentioned.

Hetero mentioned the product is launched beneath a licensing settlement with Gilead Sciences to increase entry to COVID-19 therapy in low- and middle-income nations.

“In the light of increasing COVID-19 cases in India, the approval of Covifor (Remdesivir) can prove to be a game-changer given its positive clinical outcomes. Backed by strong backward integration capabilities, we can ensure that the product is immediately made available to patients across the country,” mentioned Dr B Partha Saradhi Reddy, chairman, Hetero Group of Companies.

“We are prepared for ensuring enough stocks required to cater to the present needs. We will continue to work closely with the government and medical community to make a difference in the fight against COVID-19,” he mentioned.

Hetero mentioned Covifor will seemingly be priced at Rs 5,000-6,000 for a 100-mg dose, information company Reuters reported.

Remdesivir has acquired approval of the nation’s drug regulator “for the treatment of suspected or laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in adults and children, hospitalised with severe symptoms of the disease”, Hetero mentioned.