Indian drug firms ready plans to make anti-virals for monkeypox

Domestic pharma firms capable of producing anti-retrovirals and anti-virals are preparing plans to produce anti-virals and other drugs that may be effective against monkeypox, according to industry analysts.

Indian pharmaceutical companies are preparing to create antivirals and other treatments that may be useful against monkeypox. There is currently little evidence on therapy, and firms are waiting for guidance from international health organizations like as the World Health Organization (WHO) to move forward with their plans. The World Health Organization recently designated monkeypox a public health emergency of worldwide significance.

According to industry analysts, companies with the potential to manufacture anti-retrovirals and anti-virals may be interested in this possibility. Cipla, which has released various treatments for Covid, including remedesivir, favipiravir, and molnupiravir, is evaluating the choices as part of its’repurpose’ strategy.

Umang Vohra, MD and CEO of Cipla, said, “We’d be pleased to repurpose medications for monkeypox and are looking into it. We are discussing with partners… (and) will see what comes of it.”

Domestic generic businesses have either launched separately or formed collaborations for prospective Covid medicines, including antivirals, throughout the last two years of the Coronavirus epidemic.

In 2020, the first year of Covid, many of them, including Cipla, Hetero, Mylan, Dr Reddy’s, Biocon, and Jubilant Lifesciences, entered licensing deals with Gilead to introduce generic remedesivir in India, while Roche teamed with Cipla for marketing and distribution of tocilizumab. After receiving clearance from international organizations, Mumbai-based generic medication maker BDR Pharmaceuticals will begin feasibility studies and the regulatory road.