Local firms gear up to seek licence for Pfizer's Covid drug

After MSD's molunpiravir, Indian drugmakers have now set their eyes on manufacturing the generic version of Pfizer's Covid-19 antiviral medication Paxlovid. Executives of pharma companies told ET that they have begun work on the antiviral and will soon reach out to Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) to seek licence to manufacture and distribute the drug.

India's largest drugmaker Sun Pharma indicated that it is open to all options. "It is our ongoing endeavour to accelerate access to new drugs for Covid-19 treatment in India and all the markets we serve globally and we are open to all options," Sun Pharma spokesperson told ET.

Dr Reddy's too said it remains "open to all opportunities to enable access to treatment options for patients."

Hyderabad-based Optimus Pharma has even gone a step further. The company said its scientists are working on developing the drug, and the company will soon be reaching out to MPP to seek a sub-licence. "Pfizer's molecule is a complex one, but we are on the fast track to develop the generic version," said D Srinivasa Reddy, managing director of Optimus Pharma.

Optimus has developed the generic version of molnupiravir, and has sought approval from DCGI. Another drugmaker known to be the first mover to launch generic versions of novel drugs in India, said it is also interested, but is yet to decide whether to seek sub-licence from MPP or not. Government sources told ET that companies applying for approval for making the generic version of Paxlovid in India will have to conduct phase-3 trials on Indians.

US drug giant Pfizer on Tuesday announced a deal with MPP - a UN-backed public health organization - to issue royalty-free voluntary licence to manufacture generic versions of oral antiviral Covid-19 medication Paxlovid in 95 middle and low income countries (LMIC) including India.

Under the terms of the head licence agreement between Pfizer and MPP, qualified generic medicine manufacturers that are granted sub-licenses will be able to supply Paxlovid (PF-07321332 in combination with ritonavir) to 95 countries, covering up to approximately 53% of the world's population.