A new cheaper version of antiviral remdesivir has been launched locally by a Indian licensee, while Chinese vaccine developers push forward with broader trials of their candidates.

Zydus Cadila expects domestic sales to improve and the US generics business to grow in “mid to high” single digits during FY21 after both saw a coronavirus-related hit in Q1. Meanwhile, approvals for a few biologics are expected, its COVID-19 vaccine candidate has just entered Phase II studies and remdesivir launch looms.

 India generic remdesivir supply situation seen improving soon, with existing players Cipla and Hetero ramping up the antiviral and the arrival of new entrant Mylan. But will that be enough to control black marketing of the investigational COVID-19 therapy? The government is also keeping a close watch on the goings on.