Bangladesh-based generic pharmaceuticals manufacturer Beximco Pharmaceuticals has launched the first generic version of antiviral drug remdesivir, originally developed by Gilead Sciences.

Recently, Gilead secured emergency use authorisation from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for remdesivir to treat Covid-19.

Beximco Pharmaceuticals is the first company in the world to introduce a generic of the drug, under the brand name Bemsivir, to treat the viral disease. The launch comes after Bangladesh’s Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) granted emergency use authorisation for Bemsivir IV injection today.