Remdesivir –
Remdesivir is a broad-spectrum antiviral medication. It’s an antiviral drug that targets and inhabits the replication and development of viral pathogens. Remdesivir Drugs are used for emergency treatment of COVID-19 patients. In Nov 2020 guidelines from the WHO (World Health Organisation) about the Remdesivir conditional recommendations against the COVID-19. Now, it is used in around 50 plus countries as per the WHO guidelines.
Remdesivir Manufacturers In India
On 23 June 2020, India granted emergency use of Remdesivir Drung and its marketing approval of generic Remdesivir manufactured by Two Gilead Sciences licensees to Cipla and Hetero Drugs Limited.
In April 2021, The production capacity of Remdesivir used for COVID-19 treatment increased from 38 lakh to 1.19 crore doses per month due to a sudden spike in COVID-19 patients. Remdesivir is manufactured in India under the Gilead Life Sciences license to the Seven pharmaceutical industries such as Cipla, Hetero, Dr Reddy, Zydus Cadila, Syngene Mulan, and Jubilant Pharma.
Cipla –
SeeThe Cipla Company is an Indian multinational pharmaceutical industry and it primarily developed medicine to treat Arthritis, Diabetes, COVID-19, Respiratory, Depression, and many more. Cipla is Headquartered was placed at Mumbai, Maharashtra.
As per the Gilead Sciences licensees approved for Remdesivir manufactured by Cipla in India. In July 2020, Cipla officially announced the introduction of Remdesivir under the brand name CIPREMI in India. The DCGI ( Drugs Controller General of India ) approved for restricted emergency use in Covid-19 treatment of critical patients. The Cipla is the World’s Largest manufacturer of antiretroviral drugs.
Hetero Drugs Limited –
Hetero Drugs Limited is India’s reputed pharmaceutical company and the world’s largest producer of anti-retroviral drugs. Its headquarters is situated in Hyderabad, India. It’s also got an approval license from Gilead Sciences of Covid-19 Drug Remdesivir. It’s launched under the brand name Covifor and obtained approval from DCGI and CDSCO ( Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation ).
On 29 July 2020, The Hetero also launched the Covifor version of the Antiviral drug Favipiravir under the brand name Favivir. It was approved by the DGCI and used in the treatment of mild and moderate Covid-19 patients.
Zydus Cadila limited-
Cadila Healthcare Limited is an Indian multinational pharma company headquartered in Ahmedabad, Gujrat. It primarily engaged with the manufacturing of generic drugs or medicine. Cadila has three activity ingredient sites in India, the Vadodara unit, Ankleshwar, and Patalganga unit. Zydus Cadila, also among the several manufacturing companies of the Remdesivir viral drug in India, received the licensing agreement from Gilead Sciences.
Dr Reddy Laboratories-
Dr Reddy Laboratories is an Indian leading multinational pharma industry, headquarters in Telangana, India. The company was founded in 1984 by Anji Reddy. Dr Reddy manufactures over 190 medications, 60 active pharmaceutical ingredients for critical care, drugs manufactured, biotechnology products, and diagnostic kits. In 2021, the second wave of Covid-19 and the shortage of Remdesivir viral drugs got a licensing agreement from Gilead Sciences. Dr Reddy manufactures the Remdesivir under the brand name Redux for the Indian market.
Syngene International limited-
Syngene International Limited is an integrated contract-based research, development, and manufacturing pharma industry. It was founded in 1994, headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Syngene caters to a wide range of sectors such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, animal health, nutrition specialty chemicals, and consumer products. In 2021, Syngene was also approved by Gilead Sciences for manufacturers of Remdesivir viral drugs, considering the current demands of Remdesivir.
Remdesivir Price In India –
The Remdesivir drug prices varied from Rs 899 to 5000 as per the pharma firms. In April 2021 Indian Government reduced the Remdesivir price by nearly Rs 2000 per injection. The Remdesivir prices go high in the unofficial market in the current scenario due to a sudden spike in Covid-19 cases. The e-commerce platform OLx runs the advertisement for Remdesivir drug at the cost of Rs 6000 per injection.
Remdesivir Side Effects –
- The infusion-related reaction has been seen around the time remdesivir was given. Signs and symptoms- Low blood pressure, Nausea, Vomiting, Sweating, and Shivering.
- Increase in the level of liver enzymes.
- Show some allergic reactions such as Rashes, Itching, Swelling, ( face, tongue, and throat area ) trouble in breathing, etc.