3 firms get license to launch Covid drug

Hyderabad City-based Dr Reddy's and MSN Laboratories along with Ahmedabad-based Torrent Pharmaceuticals have entered into a royalty free, non-exclusive, voluntary license agreement with US-based pharma firm Eli Lilly for manufacture and commercialisation of 'baricitinib' drug for the treatment of Covid-19 in India.

The drug baricitinib has been granted a restricted emergency use approval in India by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) for emergency use in combination with remdesivir for the treatment of Covid-19 in hospitalised adults requiring supplemental oxygen, invasive mechanical ventilation, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

This partnership comes at a critical juncture in the fight against the pandemic in India, and adds to the company's existing range of Covid-19 therapeutics covering the full spectrum from mild to moderate and severe conditions of the disease, and a vaccine.

Deepak Sapra, Chief Executive Officer, API and Services, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, said: "From the start, we have been determined to explore every possible avenue against Covid-19. Our collaboration with Lilly will help us make yet another treatment option available to patients in India."

Speaking about the collaboration with Eli Lilly, MSN Reddy, CMD of MSN Group said: "This is a landmark milestone in India's fight against Covid-19 and will thus help in increasing the availability and affordability of baricitinib. We will be launching the product under the brand name Baridoz in two strengths 2 mg and 4mg."

MSN has developed the active pharmaceutical ingredient and the formulation of baricitinib in its in-house R&D and manufacturing units. As part of the Covid treatment range, MSN has already launched Favilow (Favipiravir) in the strengths of 200mg, 400mg and 800mg and Oselow (Oseltamivir) as 75 mg capsules.

Eli Lilly earlier announced signing voluntary licensing agreements with Sun Pharma, Cipla and Lupin. Meanwhile, the American company continues to engage in active dialogue with the regulatory authorities and governments in India to donate its anti-Covid-19 treatments, including neutralising antibodies.

"Lilly is committed to supporting India in this healthcare challenge through our innovative and effective portfolio of breakthrough medicines," said Luca Visini, Managing Director, India Subcontinent, Lilly India. "We will continue to explore other possible initiatives to support patients and the healthcare system in the sub-continent," he adds.