BENGALURU:
Zydus Cadila
on Thursday launched the cheapest generic version of Gilead Sciences'
antiviral drug remdesivir
in India to treat Covid-19 following reports of shortages at hospitals in the world's third-worst hit nation.
Zydus has priced it at Rs 2,800 ($37.44) per 100mg vial. It will be sold under the brand name Remdac to government and private hospitals treating Covid-19 patients, the company said in a regulatory filing.
Coronavirus outbreak: Live updatesOfficials in some Indian states had a few weeks ago complained of supply issues, but a top executive at drugmaker Cipla Ltd had earlier this week said the supplies were stabilising.
Zydus is the fifth company to launch a copy of the antiviral in India after privately held Hetero Labs Ltd, Cipla, Mylan NV and Jubilant Life Sciences Ltd.
Gilead has also entered into licensing agreements with Dr.Reddy's Laboratories Ltd and Syngene International Ltd to make remdesivir for distribution in 127 countries, including India.
More on Covid-19India has reported a daily jump of more than 50,000 coronavirus infections for two weeks, with total cases as of Wednesday at 2.33 million.