Hetero announces the approval and launch of first generic ‘COVIFOR’ (Remdesivir) in India for the treatment of Covid-19
Generic drug maker Hetero has received the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) approval to manufacture and sell its generic version of Gilead’s Remdesivir for the treatment of Covid-19 patients in the country.
The generic version will be marketed under the brand name ‘Covifor’ in India, Hetero said about the product that is being manufactured at its facility in Hyderabad.
DCGI had granted approval for use of Remdesivir in the treatment of suspected or laboratory-confirmed cases of Covid-19 in adults and children, hospitalised with severe symptoms of the disease.
Covifor (Remdesivir) will be available in 100 mg vial (Injectable) which has to be administered intravenously in a hospital setting under the supervision of a healthcare practitioner, Hetero said.
Sources in the company said since the product has been approved for Emergency Use and for use in hospital / institutional set up only, it will not be retailed through chemists. Instead Covifor will be made available to hospitals treating Covid-19 patients. The supplies are expected to begin in a week.
Each 100 mg vial is likely to be priced between ₹5,000 and ₹6,000. The drug is to be administered only after getting the consent of the patients.
“While Glenmark’s Covid-19 drug was made available in the oral form of tablets, Hetero’s drug is being made available in the Injectable form (100mg vial) to be administered intravenously in a hospital setting under the supervision of a healthcare practitioner”.
Approval to launch Covifor (Remdesivir) in the light of increaseing Covid-19 cases in India “can prove to be a game-changer given its positive clinical outcomes,” said Hetero group chairman Dr B. Partha Saradhi Reddy
A significant milestone for Hetero and an important development in India's fight against COVID-19 pandemic. Proud to be the first company to gain DCGI approval for generic drug Remedesivir. It will be marketed under the brand name 'Covifor' for treatment of patients hospitalised with severe symptoms.
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