COVID-19 Spike: Indian Govt Bans Export Of Remdesivir

New Delhi: The government of India on Sunday banned the export of anti-viral drug Remdesivir, which is used to treat coronavirus-positive patients, and Remdesivir Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API).

“India is witnessing a recent surge in COVID cases. As on 11.04.2021, there are 11.08 lakh active COVID cases and they are steadily increasing. This has led to a sudden spike in demand for Injection Remdesivir used in the treatment of COVID patients. There is a potential of a further increase in this demand in the coming days,” the government said in an order.

“In light of the above, Government of India has prohibited the exports of Injection Remdesivir and Remdesivir Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) till the situation improves,” it said.

Also Read: COVID Surge: IMA Suggests Remdesivir For Home-Isolated Patients

Seven Indian companies are currently producing Remdesivir injection under a voluntary licensing agreement with US company Gilead Sciences. They have an installed capacity of about 38.80 lakh units per month.

There have been 152,879 fresh COVID cases and 839 fatalities in the last 24 hours. The death toll till date is 169,275.