BCCL
Pharmaceutical giants Cipla and Hetero introduced generic versions Remdesivir — an antiviral drug first used to treat Ebola — to fight coronavirus. India’s health Ministry approved use of the drug to treat mild cases of coronavirus. However, the drug is not recommended to treat those who have several renal impairment, pregnant and lactating
Woman, children below 12 years age.
Hetero said it will make its version of Remdesivir — Covifor — available between ₹5,000 to ₹6,000 for a vial. Whereas, Cipla is yet to decide the cost of Cipremi.
Cipla’s Cipremi is available for only those patients who are on oxygen support.
Apart from Cipla and Hetero Labs, Jubilant Lifesciences and Mylan are also working to manufacture the drug in India. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories , Biocon firm Syngene and Zydus Cadila Healthcare have also received voluntary permission from Gilead Sciences to produce Remdesivir in India.