Coronavirus | Centre ramps up production capacity of Remdesivir

Amid studies of scarcity of antiviral drug Remdesivir, the Centre on Wednesday introduced that the production capacity of Remdesivir injections is being ramped up from the present stage of 38 lakh vials to 74 lakh vials monthly.

It additionally stated 20 extra manufacturing websites had been authorized.

The Union Health Ministry, in coordination with the Department of Pharmaceuticals, has made an interim allocation of Remdesivir for 19 States and Union territories (UTs) for the interval up to April 30, to additional handle studies of scarcity of the drug in sure areas of the nation and facilitate its clean inter-State provide.

“Remdesivir being an investigational therapy drug given in acute and severe versions of COVID-19 where oxygen support is a must, this allocation pertains to 14 States/UTs, including Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Gujarat, to which medical oxygen is allocated, and five other States where high volume of supplies is being observed,” the Ministry stated in a press release.

Keeping in thoughts the sudden surge in demand for Remdesivir injections, the manufacturing capacity of home Remdesivir producers has been ramped up, it stated.

“All support is being extended to manufacturers by the government in this endeavour. Export of Remdesivir has also been prohibited on April 11 in order to shore up domestic supplies,” the Ministry stated.

The allocation consists of bulk purchases made by the States in addition to provides by personal distribution channels.

Several States and UTs have reported acute scarcity of Remdesivir and raised the problem with the Centre.

The Ministry stated this preliminary allocation was dynamic and could be reviewed continually in session with the States/UTs to make sure all wants may very well be met throughout the accessible provides.