In a statement, India pharmaceutical company Cipla Ltd and Hetero Labs stated, they have received permission from India’s drug regulator to manufacture and market their generic version of Gilead Sciences Inc’s experimental COVID-19 remdesivir treatment.

The COVID-19 treatment will be marketed under the brand name Covifor, and is likely to be priced at $66-$79 (INR 5,000 to 6,000 rupees) for a 100 milligram dose, said Hetero.

Cipla generic version of remdesivir will be called Cipremi, said the company.

The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Last month Gilead Sciences Inc signed non-exclusive licensing pacts with five generic drugmakers based in India and Pakistan to expand the supply of its COVID-19 treatment.

The pact allows Cipla, Hetero Labs, Jubilant Life Sciences Ltd, Mylan NV and Ferozsons Laboratories Ltd to make and sell the drug in 127 countries.

Last week, Indian drugmaker Zydus Cadila said it has signed a non-exclusive licensing pact with Gilead Sciences to manufacture and market remdesivir.

Categories: Creativity, Entrepreneurship, HR & Organization, Regulations & Legal, Strategy