Jubilant Life Science inks Pact with Gilead to Make Remdesivir

Jubilant Generics Ltd, a subsidiary of Jubilant Life Sciences Ltd, has entered into a non-exclusive licencing agreement with US-based Gilead Sciences Inc to manufacture and sell the potential COVID-19 drug remdesivir in 127 countries, including India.

As per the deal, Gilead will provide Jubilant the right for a technology transfer for manufacturing remdesivir to scale up production and allow expedited access to COVID patients after approvals by authorities in various nations, it said in a regulatory filing.

All low-income and lower middle-income countries, as well as several upper-middle and high-income countries that are witnessing significant hurdles in accessing healthcare are covered under the deal.

“We will be monitoring the clinical trials and regulatory approvals very closely and would be ready to launch the drug shortly after the required regulatory approvals. We also plan to produce the drug’s API in-house helping its cost effectiveness and consistent availability,” said Mr Shyam S. Bhartia, chairman and Mr Hari S. Bhartia, co-chairman and managing director of Jubilant Life Sciences.

Aside Jubilant Life Sciences, Gilead is also in talks with other companies, including Dr Reddy’s Laboratories and Cipla, for a voluntary licencing pact along similar lines.

Remdesivir was granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the US Food and Drug Administration on 1 May for treating COVID-19 patients.

Source: IBEF

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