Export of Remdesivir has been prohibited by Indian Government

On Sunday center has stated due to the sudden increase in demand for Remdesivir injection used in the treatment of COVID patients, the export of injection Remdesivir and Remdesivir Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) has been prohibited.

As per the statement by the Centre, “India is witnessing a recent increase in COVID cases. As of April 11, there are 11.08 lakh active cases and it is increasing steadily. This has led to a sudden increase in the demand for Remdesivir injections for the treatment of COVID patients. There is a potential of a further increase in demand for injection Remdesivir in the coming days.”

At present, Seven Indian companies are producing Remdesivir injections under a voluntary licensing agreement with M/s. Gilead Sciences, USA. A capacity of about 38.80 lakhs units per month has been installed.

The government also said that all the domestic manufacturers of Remdesivir have been instructed to show on their website the details of their stockiest and distributors. Also, the Department of Pharmaceuticals has been in contact with the domestic manufacturers to ramp up the production of Remdesivir said by the government in a statement.

All the drug inspectors and other officers have been instructed to verify stocks and check if any malpractice and stop black marketing and hoarding. The state secretaries will review this with the Drug Inspectors of the respective States/UTs.

The states and UTs have been advised that the steps should be again communicated with all the public and private sector hospitals and compliance should be monitored.

Remdesivir has been listed as an Investigational Therapy (i.e. where informed and shared decision making is essential) by the National Clinical Management Protocol for COVID-19 of the central government.

Do read: Covid-19 Vaccination At Workplace