LONDON (UK) – Gilead Sciences Inc expects its potential COVID-19 drug remdesivir supply to exceed two million courses by year-end, the company said on Monday. It is more than double its previous target of 1 million.
The firm also said it planned to initiate trials of an easier-to-use inhaled version of the antiviral drug by August.
Remdesivir is at the vanguard of the fight against the coronavirus after the drug helped shorten hospital recovery times in a clinical trial. But producing and supplying billions of doses remain major concerns as the fast-spreading respiratory illness overwhelms healthcare systems around the world.
“We will continue to collaborate globally to ensure sufficient worldwide supply,” Gilead Chief Executive Officer Daniel O’Day said in a statement.
Two major Indian drugmakers – Hetero Labs and Cipla Ltd – on Sunday got approval to begin selling their generic versions of remdesivir in the country. Another Indian drugmaker Glenmark expects the drug to be priced at 5,000 to 6,000 rupees ($66-$79) for a 100 milligram dose.
Remdesivir has not been priced yet in the United States.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field