Dr Reddy’s Laboratories is working on developing new treatment options for COVID-19 patients that it aims to launch over the next few months while ensuring an uninterrupted supply of its existing line of infectious disease products in the market, according to a senior official in the company.
The Hyderabad-based leading drug has already launched the Sputnik V vaccine while partnering with various organizations including the Defense Research and Development Organization.
“We are motivated to serve patients in any way possible and with the utmost urgency. This is reflected in the multiple collaborations we have undertaken to develop and commercialize a wide range of preventive and curative options for COVID treatment, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Co-Chairman & Managing Director GV Prasad said on a call from an analyst.
The pharmaceutical company in recent weeks has increased the supply of several drugs, including Remdesivir, to meet the surge in demand, he added.
“We are also working on the launch of new treatment options, which we will bring to market in the coming months. We have also ensured that the supply of our existing drugs continues uninterrupted and we continue to meet the demand of the market for all our markets. ”, Nota Prasad.
Commenting on the business opportunities arising from Sputnik V, Dr Reddy’s CEO Erez Israel said, “We have the rights for the first 250 million doses for India, which equates to 125 million patients. initials will come from the imported route that will come out of Russia. “
And in the meantime, the company has partnered with six subcontractors (manufacturing partners) to manufacture the product locally in India, he noted.
“In addition, there are discussions with RDIF for Sputnik light as well as additional commitment for India’s future. And we are also in talks with them on quantities and duties, assets allowed for d “other countries. So that’s the overall vision we have. at this stage of Sputnik,” Israel noted.
When asked when the drug major would be able to deliver the 250 million doses to the country, he said: “I predict that between now and July, maybe August, the primary supply will come from from Russia. “
On starting local production and supplies of the COVID-19 vaccine, he noted: “The first quantities will come from Indian manufacturers, hopefully by August and September. This of course depends on the qualifications of these sites. and the ability to respond to transition studies, etc., but that’s at least anticipation. If that plan is in place, we can process those quantities within 12 months. “
Currently, the company is working on its distribution network, Israel said.
He noted that the intention is for India to be a big hub for Sputnik V.
“And therefore part of this quantity, when filled, which is necessary for India will also be destined for export. But that is not concluded at this stage, it is in the discussions,” Israel said.
The first shipment of imported doses of the Sputnik V vaccine landed in India on May 1 and received regulatory clearance from the Central Medicines Laboratory, Kasauli on May 13, 2021.
As part of a limited pilot project, the phased launch of the vaccine began and the first dose of the vaccine was administered in Hyderabad.
Dr Reddy’s had received permission from the Comptroller General of Medicines of India (DCGI) to import the Sputnik vaccine into India for restricted use in emergencies in April.
The company had partnered with the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) to conduct clinical trials of Sputnik V and distribute the vaccine in India in September 2020.
Sputnik V uses two different vectors for the two shots in a course of vaccination.
Its effectiveness was determined to be 91.6% according to an article published in the Lancet medical journal.
(Only the title and image of this report may have been reworked by Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is automatically generated from a syndicated feed.)
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