World’s first generic remdesivir for COVID-19

21 May 2020

BEXIMCO PHARMACEUTICALS LTD.

Beximco Pharma introduces world's first generic remdesivir for COVID-19 treatment 

Beximco Pharmaceuticals Limited ("Beximco Pharma", "BPL" or "the Company"), the fast-growing manufacturer of generic pharmaceutical products and active pharmaceutical ingredients, announces the launch of remdesivir (under the brand name Bemsivir), an antiviral drug, which has been recently granted Emergency Use Authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of COVID-19. With this introduction, Beximco Pharma is the first company in the world to launch a generic version of remdesivir for the treatment of COVID-19.

The launch, which was anticipated in the Company's announcement on 4 May 2020, follows the grant of Emergency Use Authorisation by the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA), the regulatory authority in Bangladesh, for Beximco Pharma's remdesivir IV injection (under the brand name Bemsivir) received on 21 May 2020. Emergency approvals will help to broaden the use of remdesivir in hospitalised patients, especially in developing and least developed countries where access to breakthrough, advanced drugs remains a major challenge.

Originally developed by Gilead Sciences, Inc., remdesivir is a direct acting antiviral drug that inhibits viral RNA synthesis. Remdesivir is administered intravenously and is authorised for the treatment of hospitalised patients with severe COVID-19 disease. Recent clinical trials have shown evidence that remdesivir helps severe COVID-19 patients recover faster.  

Beximco Pharma is donating remdesivir (Bemsivir) to the Bangladesh Government for supply only to Government hospitals free of charge. Remdesivir (Bemsivir) will not be available through retail pharmacies, in compliance with the directives from the DGDA.

Mr. Nazmul Hassan MP, Managing Director of Beximco Pharmaceuticals, commented: 

"We are pleased to be the first generic company in the world to introduce this very important drug for treating hospitalised COVID-19 patients. This reinforces our commitment to ensure access to breakthrough therapies, despite facing many challenges amid this unprecedented pandemic. We express our gratitude to the regulatory authority for their support in making this drug available to patients at the earliest possible time.

"As we continue to work closely with, and extend our support to, the Bangladesh Government during this national emergency, we recognise the essential service Government hospitals provide to patients across the country free of charge. We are therefore delighted to donate Bemsivir to patients with severe COVID-19 in Government hospitals."

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Beximco Pharma has taken various proactive measures to provide the latest, evidence-based treatment options for COVID-19 patients. The Company is committed to fighting this pandemic, in all possible ways, employing its competitive R&D and manufacturing skills. Beximco Pharma has already launched the anti-viral drug favipiravir (under the brand name Viraflu), as well as the repurposed antimalarial drug hydroxychlorquine (under the brand name Kovicin) and anti-parasitic drug ivermectin (under the brand name Ivera) as potential treatments for COVID-19.

For further information please visit www.beximcopharma.com or enquire to:

Beximco Pharma

Nazmul Hassan MP, Managing Director

Tel: +880 2 58611001, ext.20080

Rabbur Reza, Chief Operating Officer

Tel; +880 2 58611001, ext.20111

SPARK Advisory Partners Limited (Nominated Adviser)

Mark Brady / Andrew Emmott

Tel: +44 (0)20 3368 3551 / 3555

SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP (Broker)

Vadim Alexandre / Abigail Wayne

Tel: +44 (0) 20 3470 0470

FTI Consulting

Simon Conway / Victoria Foster Mitchell

Tel: +44 (0)20 3727 1000

Notes to Editors

About Beximco Pharmaceuticals Limited

Beximco Pharma is a leading manufacturer and exporter of medicines based in Bangladesh. Since its inception in 1976, the Company remains committed to health and wellbeing of people across all the continents by providing access to contemporary medicines. Company's broad portfolio of generics encompasses diverse delivery systems such as tablets, capsules, liquids, semi-solids, intravenous fluids, metered dose inhalers, dry powder inhalers, sterile ophthalmic drops, insulins, prefilled syringes, injectables, nebuliser solutions, oral soluble films etc. The Company also undertakes contract manufacturing for multinational and leading global generic pharmaceutical companies.

Beximco Pharma′s state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities are certified by global regulatory authorities of USA, Europe, Australia, Canada, GCC and Latin America, among others and it has a geographic footprint in more than 50 countries. In August 2016, Beximco Pharma became the first Bangladeshi pharmaceutical company to export medicine to the US market following its manufacturing site approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in June 2015. More than 4,200 employees are driving the company towards achieving its aspiration to be among the most admired companies in the world.