JOIN USGovt to double Remdesivir production to 3 lakh vials per day in 15 days: Mandaviya
Amid increasing Covid-19 cases, the Centre on Friday said the production of Remdesivir, an anti-viral drug used to treat Covid-19, will double soon.
The government has approved the 20 additional plants sought by pharma companies to produce the drug to increase production. At present, the drug is being produced in 20 plants in different parts of the country.
Currently, 1.5 lakh vials per day being produced and it will go up to 3 lakh vials per day, Union Minister of State for Chemicals & Fertilisers, Mansukh Mandaviya said.
We are doubling the production in the country and have given express permission to more 20 Plants since 12-4-2021 to manufacturers. Ensuring adequate supply of Remdesivir to the people of Maharashtra remains our priority. (2/4)
— Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) April 17, 2021
The government has also given permission to 20 plants to produce the antiviral drug, he added.
Already, remdesivir is being rolled out of 20 plants in the country, Mandaviya said.
"In the next few days, we are trying to maximise the remdesivir production. The drug companies have also reduced retail prices of the medicine and patients will benefit from it," he added.
On Saturday, NPPA said pharmaceutical companies like Cadila Healthcare, Dr Reddy's Laboratories and Cipla have reduced the price of their respective brands of remdesivir injection (100mg/vial).
According to the details shared by the NPPA, Cadila Healthcare has reduced the price of its REMDAC (remdesivir 100 mg) injection to Rs 899 from Rs 2,800 earlier.
Due to Government’s intervention, the price of #Remdesivir Injection is now reduced!
— Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) April 17, 2021
I am thankful to pharmaceutical companies for joining hands with the Government to fight against Covid Pandemic. pic.twitter.com/bNNqZ0T4Wb
Similarly, Syngene International has cut the price of its brand RemWin to Rs 2,450 from Rs 3,950 earlier.
Hyderabad-based Dr Reddy's Laboratories has cut the price of REDYX, which used to cost Rs 5,400 earlier to Rs 2,700 now.
Similarly, Cipla has reduced the MRP of its CIPREMI brand to Rs 3,000 from Rs 4,000 earlier.
Mylan has also reduced the price of its brand from Rs 4,800 to Rs 3,400.
Similarly, Jubilant Generics has cut the price of its remdesivir brand to Rs 3,400 from Rs 4,700 earlier.
Hetero Healthcare has also cut the price of its brand COVIFOR from Rs 5,400 to Rs 3,490.
(With inputs from PTI)