An Update on Remdesivir

A message is circulating on WhatsApp and social media, purportedly confirming the launch of an unlicensed treatment for Covid-19 imported from Bangladesh.

The message quotes a price of Rs. 20,000 per injection, and promotes a 10-day Covid-19 treatment course at a package cost of Rs. 220,000.

Certain versions of this message also appear to link the name of Ferozsons Laboratories Limited with the launch.

The official statement from the Ferozsons Laboratories Limited says, “We would like to clarify to the public at large that Ferozsons has no connection with the launch of the treatment being imported from Bangladesh and marketed in Pakistan.

It should be noted that no product can be launched or promoted in Pakistan prior to regulatory approval from the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), and Ferozsons takes exception to the linkage of its name with the launch or promotion of any treatment which is yet to receive DRAP approval”.

“Remdesivir, a proprietary product of Gilead Sciences Inc., USA was granted Emergency Use Authorisation by the United States FDA on May 1, 2020”, it further added.

“As a licensee of Gilead Sciences, Ferozsons, through its subsidiary BF Biosciences Limited, is committed to urgently making available a licensed product manufactured under a technology transfer of the Gilead manufacturing process for remdesivir, and to ethical communication at all times”.

“Putting Patients First is and will always remain at the heart of the Ferozsons operating philosophy”, the statement concluded.