Glenmark, Cipla, Hetero get Health Ministry's approval to manufacture COVID-19 medicines

Glenmark, Cipla, Hetero get Health Ministry's approval to manufacture COVID-19 medicines

The COVID-19 cases continue to scale in India as it rapidly speeds to the half a million mark. At the same time, Indian pharmaceutical companies like Glenmark, Hetero Drugs, and Cipla are manufacturing at least five antiviral drugs to treat coronavirus patients.

The drugs that are currently being repurposed were originally designed to treat skin diseases or arthritis; the generic versions of these medications can be used to treat COVID-19 patients.

Mumbai-based Glenmark Pharmaceuticals launched Favirpiravir on June 22 under the brand FabiFlu. Favirpiravir is an antiviral drug that can be used to treat mild to moderate coronavirus patients.

The drug is widely used around the world for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Glenmark finally received the approvals from Indian Drug Regulator to manufacture and distribute, Favipiravir.

Favirpiravir will be available in the market at Rs 103 per tablet; an entire strip would cost Rs 3,500 with 34 tablets in total.  Meanwhile, Cipla and Hetero the Pharmaceutical Giants have introduced a generic version of Remedesivir - an antiviral drug originally used to treat Ebola. Hetero's drug Covifor will be available at Rs 5,000 to Rs 6,000 for a vial. Covifor is not recommended for children below 12 and pregnant women.

On the other hand, Cipla's Cipremi is only for patients on oxygen support. The pharmaceutical company is yet to divide the price of the medication.

Cipla and Hetero claim their Remedesivir drug is "the most promising candidate" for treating COVID-19 patients.  Tocilizumab, a drug used to treat people with arthritis issues, is currently being used in Mumbai to treat patients at high-risk. Another such drug is Itlolizumab, a medicine usually used to treat people with skin diseases is widely being used in Delhi and Mumbai to treat coronavirus patients.

Other than the pharmaceuticals introducing antiviral drugs, Sun Pharma is also developing a drug which was first created for dengue patients.

Enjoyed reading The Bridge Chronicle?
Your support motivates us to do better. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay updated with the latest stories.
You can also read on the go with our Android and iOS mobile app.

Related Stories

No stories found.
logo
The Bridge Chronicle
www.thebridgechronicle.com