Vikrant Shekhawat : Apr 17, 2021, 08:46 PM
New Delhi: Amid the shortage of the anti-viral drug Remdesivir in the wake of surge in novel coronavirus cases in the country, the manufacturers of the injection have slashed the price after Indian government's request.The announcement comes days after the Centre held a meeting with all-existing manufacturers of the drug and other stakeholders in order to discuss steps taken to increase production and supply and reduce prices of Remdesivir."On the Intervention of the Government the major manufacturers/markers of 'RemdesIvir Injection' have reported voluntary reduction in Maximum Retail (MRP)," the Department of Pharmaceuticals National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority stated.Remdesivir is considered a key anti-viral drug in the fight against COVID-19, especially in adult patients with severe complications.Seven Indian companies are producing Injection Remdesivir under voluntary licensing agreement with M/s. Gilead Sciences, USA. They have an installed capacity of about 38.80 lakh units per month.In a statement on Wednesday, Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya informed that the current total installed capacity of the seven manufacturers of Remdesivir is 38.80 lakh vials per month.Fast-track approval has been given for seven additional sites having the production capacity of 10 lakh vials per month to six manufacturers. Another 30 lakh vials per month production is lined up. This would ramp up the production capacity for manufacturing to around 78 lakh vials/month, the government added.It also added that manufacturers of Remdesivir have volunteered to reduce the price to less than ₹3,500 by the end of this week in order to contain the spread of the virus and contribute to the Centre's efforts.They have also been directed to give priority to fulfil hospital/institutional level supplies.Meanwhile, Union health Minster Harsh Vardhan today said, "Shortage of Remdesivir happened because its production was reduced as COVID-19 cases were decreasing. Our drug controller and ministry held a meeting with stakeholders and asked manufacturers to strengthen the production."As an additional measure, Remdesivir, API and formulation were placed under Export ban on 11.04.2021 by DGFT to increase the supply of Remdesivir in the Domestic Market. On Government intervention, Remdesivir supplies of approximately 4 lakh vials meant for export is being diverted by manufacturers to fulfil domestic requirement. EOU/SEZ units are also being enabled to supply to the domestic market.Enforcement Authorities of States and Central Govt. have been directed by DCGI to take immediate action on incidence of black-marketing, hoarding and overcharging of Remdesivir.