The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has given Sun Pharma's subsidiary, the emergency use authorization (EUA) to manufacture and distribute a generic version of MSD and Ridgeback's antiviral medicine molnupiravir under the brand name Molxvir in India.

MSD struck a non-exclusive voluntary licencing arrangement with the Mumbai-based drug company earlier this year to produce and supply a generic version of molnupiravir in over 100 low and middle-income countries (LMICs), including India. Molnupiravir has been licenced by the DCGI for the treatment of adult COVID-19 patients who are at high risk of disease progression, including hospitalisation or death.

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries CEO (India Business) Kirti Ganorkar said in a statement that molnupiravir is an essential addition to the arsenal of oral medications available for treating Covid-19 patients.

"As part of our ongoing efforts to improve access to novel medications for the treatment of Covid-19, we will make Molxvir available to patients at a reasonable cost." We're also working on providing a toll-free helpline to ensure that Molxvir is available to doctors and patients all over India. "Our goal is to get the product available within a week," he continued.

Cipla grants EUA for an oral antiviral drug to treat mild to moderate Covid

CAIT tells Finance Minister: Defer GST hike on textiles, footwear

Changes in GST law to come into force from January 1