Drugmaker Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd will launch its generic version of Merck's antiviral COVID-19 pill, molnupiravir, and price it at 35 rupees per capsule, a company spokesperson said on Tuesday.
The overall cost for a patient treated with a 5-day course of 40 capsules of the generic drug, to be sold under brand name 'Molflu', will come up to 1,400 rupees ($18.77). In comparison, the treatment with Merck's pill in the United States costs $700.
"Molflu is expected to be available from early next week in pharmacies throughout (India) with particular focus on states with high caseload of COVID-19," the company spokesperson said.
India last week gave emergency use approval to molnupiravir along with two vaccines, as the country braces for a possible spike in coronavirus cases due to the rapidly spreading Omicron variant.
India reported 37,379 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, its highest since early September.
With a view to turn India into a manufacturing hub, Merck has entered into licensing agreements with eight domestic drugmakers, including Dr Reddy's, to make and supply generic versions of molnupiravir to over 100 low- and middle- income countries.
A total of 13 companies in India will make molnupiravir, the country's health minister said last week.
Governments around the world have been scrambling to buy a similar but more effective antiviral treatment from Pfizer, while Merck's pill has faced some setbacks after disappointing trial data.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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