Centre Takes Steps To Increase Antiviral Remdesivir Production From 38 Lakh Vials Per Month To 78 Lakh Vials Per Month

The issue of availability of Remdesivir was reviewed by Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, in meetings with the all-existing manufacturers of the Remdesivir drug.

Decisions have been taken to increase production and reduce prices of Remdesivir. National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) is continuously monitoring the availability of Remdesivir, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers said in a statement.

The current total installed capacity of the seven manufacturers of Remdesivir is 38.80 lakh vials per month. Fast-track approval has been given for seven additional sites having the production capacity of ten Lakh vials per month to six manufacturers.

Another 30 lakh vials per month production is lined up. This would ramp up the production capacity for manufacturing to around 78 lakh vials per month.

As an additional measure, Remdesivir, API and formulation were placed under export ban on Sunday (11 April) to increase the supply of Remdesivir in the domestic market. On Government intervention, Remdesivir supplies of approximately four lakh vials meant for export is being diverted by manufacturers to fulfil domestic requirement. Units in Special Economic Zones (SEZ) are also being enabled to supply to the domestic market.

Manufacturers of Remdesivir have volunteered to reduce the price to less than Rs 3500 by the end of this week to support the efforts to fight against Covid-19.

Manufacturers of Remdesivir have been directed to give priority to fulfil hospital and institutional level supplies.

Also Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has directed enforcement authorities of States and Central Government to take immediate action on incidence of black-marketing, hoarding and overcharging of Remdesivir.