Sales of Biocon's itolizumab surge as phase-4 clinical trials begin

With phase 4 clinical trials now on, the sales may see a further uptick if data supports its use on Covid-19 patients, said experts.

Biocon’s repurposed psoriasis drug itolizumab has seen sevenfold jump in sales after it got an emergency use authorisation for Covid-19 treatment. The drug, however, is yet to be a part of the clinical management protocol of the health ministry for treatment of Covid-19, which implies that the government has not yet recommended it as an effective treatment.

With Phase-4 clinical trials on, sales may see a further uptick if the data supports it helps Covid-19 patients, said experts. The data from market research firm AIOCD AWACS showed that volumes shot up seven times in August (350 units) from just 50 units