Amid the coronavirus havoc, Genetek Life sciences has started the process of manufacturing Remdesivir injections at its MIDC Sewagram factory in Wardha district after Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared its loan licence from Hetero Labs Ltd. The market release of the injection is expected in next two to three weeks.
US-based Gilead Sciences had licensing agreement with seven Indian pharmaceutical companies including
Hetero Labs to produce Remdesivir.
Genetek, which already produces several life-saving drugs, was granted FDA permission following the initiative of Union minister Nitin Gadkari.
Chetan Marwah, principal correspondent of Genetek, said, “We have started procurement of raw materials, active and inactive ingredients from parent company.”
“The vials, the printing of the packages and labels too has started,” said Marwah.
“It will take around a fortnight or so to launch the product in the market. In mock runs, the production capacity may fluctuate but in the long run it would produce 30,000 vials per day. The drug would be released in the market through proper channel,” he said.
Marwah also said there would be no compromise on quality though some of the lengthier processes are likely to be shortened for a quicker release of the drugs needed to fight the pandemic. “The drug would be put through all necessary and mandatory tests and trials before release,” he said