Cipla Limited, the multinational pharmaceutical company, has reportedly launched a generic version of the remdesivir drug (Cipremi) at a price of ?4,000 per 100 mg vial, making it among the least priced COVID-19 treatment available across the globe.

According to sources familiar with the knowledge of the matter, the company is looking to supply more than 80,000 vials within the first month. The company's move to introduce remdesivir drugs at ?4,000 per 100 mg vial price is in line with its philosophy of accelerating access and affordability. The drug will be available only through hospital and government channels to ensure equitable distribution.

Till now, remdesivir is the only drug treatment approved by the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) under EUA (Emergency Use Authorization) for treating hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Speaking on which, Cipla CEO and Executive VP Nikhil Chopra (India Business) said in the statement that the company is proud to introduce Cipremi today which is amongst the lowest priced drug globally. The company is aiming to supply more than 80,000 vials within the first month itself, states Mr. Chopra.

Mr. Chopra added that the company would be donating some amount of the drug as part of its efforts to aid the community in this time of need.

The DCGI (Drug Controller General of India) approved Cipla’s remdesivir for restricted emergency use in the nation as part of the faster approval process considering the unmet and urgent medical need. In May, regional Pharma companies Jubilant Life Sciences, Hetero, and Cipla entered into non-exclusive licensing agreements with Gilead Sciences Inc for manufacturing and distributing remdesivir in the nation.

Meanwhile, India’s first potential COVID-19 vaccine, Covaxin will soon enter human clinical trials. Developed by Hyderabad- based Bharat Biotech, the vaccine will be tested on more than 1,100 people in two phases. The company already announced the plan to register 375 participants to test the COVID-19 vaccine candidate this month.

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