Covid-19 Surge: Remdesivir Manufacturers To Reduce Price, Ramp Up Production Amid Shortage Of Doses

Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (I/C) and Chemicals and Fertilizers Mansukh Mandaviya in a statement said the current total installed capacity of the seven manufacturers of Remdesivir is 38.80 lakh vials per month.

(Image: AFP)

New Delhi: The Centre, after a recent meeting with all-existing manufacturers of the drug and other stakeholders, taken the decision to increase production and supply and reduce prices of Remdesivir amid the shortage of the anti-viral drug following the surge in Covid-19 cases.

Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (I/C) and Chemicals and Fertilizers Mansukh Mandaviya in a statement said the current total installed capacity of the seven manufacturers of Remdesivir is 38.80 lakh vials per month.

The government has given fast-track approval for seven additional sites having the production capacity of 10 lakh vials per month to six manufacturers. The move would ramp up the production capacity for manufacturing to around 78 lakh vials/month.

The government said the manufacturers of Remdesivir, who have volunteered to reduce the price to less than ₹3,500 by the end of this week, have also been directed to give priority to fulfill hospital/institutional level supplies.

Meanwhile, Union Health Minster Harsh Vardhan informed the drug controller and ministry held a meeting with stakeholders and asked manufacturers to strengthen the production.

“Shortage of Remdesivir happened because its production was reduced as COVID-19 cases were decreasing,” he said.

Seven Indian companies are producing Remdesivir, considered a key anti-viral drug in the fight against Covid-19, especially in adult patients with severe complications, under voluntary licensing agreement with M/s. Gilead Sciences, US.