Hetero to launch remdesivir at Rs 5,000-6,000/dose, Cipla to follow suit

Industry sources estimate that at least 10,000 patients need the drug urgently in the areas with high case load

Hetero will launch remdesivir, an injectable drug from Gilead, to treat hospitalised Covid-19 patients this week. The firm, which got the approval letter from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) on Saturday, will first make the drug available in high case load areas of Maharashtra and Delhi under the brand Covifor. 

A single dose vial is likely to cost Rs 5,000-6000, the Hyderabad-based firm said.

Cipla, too, said it was launching remdesivir under the brand Cipremi. It said it received DCGI nod for “restricted emergency use” in the country. Cipla said it would provide training on the use of the drug,