Two Indian firms want to terminate specific Phase III trials for molnupiravir, the Merck/ Ridgeback Biotherapeutics’ antiviral in the spotlight as a treatment for mild-to-moderate COVID-19. Should much be read into these plans or is it merely an “administrative closure” that is being sought?

Gennova Biopharma’s mRNA ambitions are taking wing as its HDT Bio-partnered self-amplifying vaccine moves to Phase II. Notably, the company will have to prove superiority to AstraZeneca/Serum Institute’s Covishield in what appears to be the first comparative study for a COVID-19 vaccine candidate in India, Scrip learns.

Major Indian pharmaceutical companies including Cipla, Dr Reddy’s, Emcure, Sun and Torrent have entered into a first-of-its-kind collaboration to jointly sponsor, supervise and monitor the clinical trial of the investigational oral anti-viral drug molnupiravir to fight against COVID-19 in India. 

A bit late to the table, Lupin is exploring voluntary licensing for COVID-19 therapeutics and vaccines from Gilead’s remdesivir to Merck’s molnupiravir. Meanwhile, pricing for a biosimilar to Lucentis, which has been filed for approval in India, will be keenly watched.