Pharma important Cipla on Wednesday said it has launched its own generic version of antiviral drug remdesivir at a cost which is one of the lowest internationally and is seeking to supply over 80,000 vials over the first month. The company, however, did not disclose the purchase price of the medicine.

Cipla had earlier said the drug will probably be priced at less than Rs 5,000 per 100 mg vial in accord with its general philosophy of driving accessibility and affordability.

<span style="color: #ff6600;"><a style="color: #ff6600;" href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/healthcare/biotech/pharmaceuticals/indias-cipla-set-to-undercut-rivals-with-generic-remdesivir-sources/articleshow/76856562.cms">"We are pleased to commercially launch Cipremi today; one of the lowest priced globally, and goal to supply over 80,000 vials within the first month itself," Cipla Executive VP and CEO (India Business) Nikhil Chopra said in an emailed announcement.</a></span>

To further guarantee equitable distribution, the drug will be available through hospital and government channels only, he added.

"Cipla are also donating some amount of this medication as part of its efforts to support the community in this time of need," Chopra said.

Cipremi has been approved by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) for restricted emergency use in the country as part of the accelerated approval procedure considering the urgent and unmet medical need.

Pharmaceutical important Mylan NV on Monday has stated its generic version of remdesivir is going to be priced at Rs 4,800 per 100 mg vial.

Hyderbad-based drug firm Hetero has stated that it has fixed a maximum retail price of Rs 5,400 per vial for its medication.

Remdesivir is the only United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA)-approved Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) treatment for adult and paediatric patients hospitalised with suspected or laboratory confirmed COVID-19 infection.

In May, national pharma firms Hetero, Cipla and Jubilant Life Sciences entered to non-exclusive licensing arrangements with drug leading Gilead Sciences Inc for manufacturing and distribution of remdesivir.