Innovative therapy for coronavirus is required as much as a vaccine

Pharma giants have already started work on different formulations and combination therapies of their existing molecules

The world's leading innovator bio-pharmaceutical companies feel that while vaccines may ultimately bring an end to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, there is an urgent need for innovation in treatment options. At present, around 300 different treatment options are being researched across the globe - while some are repurposed therapies, some are novel.

Speaking at an event organised by the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations  (IFPMA), a Geneva-based trade association that represents pharma companies around the world, pharma giants said that it would be critical to have collaborations amongst rivals to ensure that manufacturing capacities can be scaled up