Zydus Cadila launches India's 'cheapest' remdesivir at Rs 2,800 per vial

Zydus is the fifth company to launch a copy of the antiviral in India after privately held Hetero Labs Ltd, Cipla, Mylan NV and Jubilant Life Sciences Ltd

 Zydus Cadila on Thursday launched the cheapest generic version of Gilead Sciences' antiviral drug remdesivir in India to treat Covid-19 following reports of shortages at hospitals in the world's third-worst hit nation.

Zydus has priced it at Rs 2,800 ($37.44) per 100mg vial. It will be sold under the brand name Remdac to government and private hospitals treating Covid-19 patients, the company said in a regulatory filing.

Officials in some Indian states had a few weeks ago complained of supply issues, but a top executive at drugmaker Cipla Ltd had earlier this week said the supplies were stabilising.