Dr Reddy’s to launch capsule to treat COVID-19 | Fusion - WeRIndia

The Omicron variant is scaring the world with its rapid transmission. In India also, it is spreading faster.

As per health experts, the third wave of COVID-19 has begun in the country as the number of cases is rising. There is a massive surge in many areas, and numerous fresh cases have been reported across the country.

The central government asked all states and UTs to keep essential items like medicines, beds etc. and be ready to handle the situation.

In this context, some pharmaceutical companies are conducting clinical trials on vaccines against COVID-19, while others are working on bringing medicines for the treatment.

Dr Reddy’s Laboratories is one of them, which is going to launch a capsule for the treatment of COVID-19.

The company yesterday said that it would launch Molflu (Molnupiravir) soon in the market. Each 200 mg capsule is priced at ₹35. Each strip consists of 10 capsules. The company says that a total of 40 capsules are essential for the treatment, which would cost ₹1,400. These 40 capsules are used over five days and recommended for COVID-19 patients who are at risk of being hospitalized or fatal.

The company is planning to launch the medicine, Molflu, in the next week throughout the country. However, it will mainly focus on states where the highest number of cases have been reported.

To supply Molnupiravir to India Dr Reddy’s Laboratories entered into an agreement with Merck Sharpe Dohme (MSD). As per this non-exclusive voluntary licensing agreement, Dr Reddy’s can manufacture and supply the medicine not just to India but 100 more low and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Earlier, the company was involved with the Phase III clinical trials of Molnupiravir in the country. It collaborated with a group of pharma companies to sponsor and monitor the studies jointly. The company submitted the results to the Subject Expert Committee to get the nod for the usage of the drug.

Finally, it received emergency-use authorization (EUA) from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) to manufacture and market Molflu (Molnupiravir) capsules. These capsules will be used for adult COVID patients who have a high risk of progression of the disease.

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