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.

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.

MSD India outlines further specifics around the just-announced voluntary licensing deal for molnupiravir with Indian firms, noting an expectation to discuss local data needs with the country’s regulator. All eyes are also on whether non-licensee Natco will stay the course for its application for the investigational antiviral.