Pharma company Dr Reddy’s Labaratories on Tuesday introduced the antiviral drug molnupiravir at prices as low as Rs 35 per capsule. The company added that the ‘affordably-priced’ molnupiravir capsules 200mg will be launched under the brand name Molflu across the country.
“Dr Reddy’s Molflu™ will be priced at Rs 35 per capsule with 10 capsules contained per strip, and the total course of 40 capsules over 5 days costing Rs 1,400 making it among the most affordable treatment options available to patients,” Dr Reddy’s Laboratories said in a statement.
The official statement also added that the antiviral drug will be available at the pharmacies early next week nationwide especially focusing on states that have a high number of COVID 19 cases.
Previously, Dr Reddy entered into a non-exclusive voluntary licensing agreement with MSD (Merck Sharpe Dohme) to supply and manufacture the antiviral nationally and over 100 low and middle-income countries (LMICs). An umbrella of pharma companies led by Dr Reddy’s came together to sponsor and monitor the phase III clinical trials in India. The pharma companies then presented their findings to the Subject Expert Committee (SEC).
Last week, Dr Reddy’s were permitted for emergency use authorisation from the DCGI (Drugs Controller General of India) to manufacture and sell this oral antiviral drug for the treatment of adult patients with COVID 19 with SpO2 above 93% and who have a high risk of progression of the disease, including hospitalization or death.
The antiviral drug Molflu will be made and manufactured at a USFDA approved facility, Dr Reddy’s has made enough preparations to ensure that they can help all patients in need, they said in a statement.
A day before, an antiviral drug with a similar price made by Mankind Pharma and BDR Pharmaceuticals was also launched named Molulife (molnupiravir).
Around 13 firms including MSN, Natco, Optimus, Hetero, Aurobindo, Strides, Mylan, Emcure, Cipla, Sun Pharma, Torrent including Dr Reddy’s and BDR — will now manufacture the drug in India.
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