Indian Drug Major Partners With US-Based Gilead Sciences To Manufacture Potential COVID-19 Drug Remidesivir

Indian pharmaceuticals major with global presence, Jubilant Life Sciences Limited announced on Tuesday (12 May) that it subsidiary Jubilant Generics Limited has entered into a non-exclusive agreement with United States (US) based Gilead Sciences to register, manufacture and sell its investigational drug Remidesivir for COVID-19 in 127 nations including India, reports Hindustan Times.

The development gains significance as the usage of remidesivir is evolving as a potential therapy for COVID-19. The drug, developed by Gilead Sciences has already received Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) by the USFDA to treat severe cases of COVID-19. Meanwhile, multiple additional clinical trials are ongoing to generate data on the safety and effectiveness of the drug as a treatment for COVID-19.

Under the agreement, Jubilant Generics limited will be receiving the technology to manufacture the drug and enable its quick access upon approvals being received by the regulatory authorities in respective nations.

Company's chairman Shyam S Bhartia also shared that it plans to produce Remidesivir's active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in-house to bring in cost effectiveness and to ensure its consistent availability.