India-based generic drug-maker and the world’s largest producer of anti-retroviral drugs, Hetero Drugs announced that it has received both manufacturing and marketing approval for the antiviral drug Remdesivir under the brand name Covifor, from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) to treat Coronavirus patients. The product is being manufactured at its facility in Hyderabad. Just a day earlier Glenmark Pharmaceuticals launched antiviral drug Favipiravir under the brand name Fabiflu to treat COVID-19 patients.
Remdesivir (Covifor) will be available in 100 mg vial (injectable) which has to be administered intravenously in a hospital setting under the supervision of a healthcare practitioner. Each 100 mg vial is likely to be priced between ₹5,000 and ₹6,000. The drug has been approved for emergency and for use in hospital setup only, not available through retailed chemists. In low and middle-income countries, the product is being launched under a licensing agreement with Gilead Sciences Inc to expand access to COVID-19 treatment.
Chairman of Hetero Group of Companies B. Parthasaradhi Reddy said, “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.”