Beximco launches generic remdesivir for treatment of Covid patients
Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
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07:46 20/03/24
Generic drugs manufacturer Beximco Pharmaceuticals announced the launch of the antiviral drug remdesivir under the brand name ‘Bemsivir’ on Thursday.
The AIM-traded firm said the drug was recently granted emergency use authorisation by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of Covid-19.
It said that it was the first company to launch a generic version of remdesivir for the treatment of Covid-19.
The launch, which was expected following its announcement on 4 May, followed the grant of emergency use authorisation by the Bangladesh’s Directorate General of Drug Administration for Beximco’s remdesivir intravenous injection on 21 May.
Emergency approvals would help to broaden the use of remdesivir in hospitalised patients, especially in developing and least developed countries where access to breakthrough, advanced drugs remained a major challenge, the board said.
The company said remdesivir, originally developed by Gilead Sciences, 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 showed remdesivir helps severe Covid-19 patients recover faster, the board said.
Beximco said it was donating remdesivir to the Bangladesh government for supply to government hospitals free-of-charge.
It would not be available through retail pharmacies, under directives from the DGDA.
“We are pleased to be the first generic company in the world to introduce this very important drug for treating hospitalised Covid-19 patients,” said managing director Nazmul Hassan.
“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.”
At 1444 BST, shares in Beximco Pharmaceuticals were up 3.7% at 42p.