20 August 2020 

Roche and Regeneron have partnered to develop, manufacture and distribute the latter’s antiviral antibody combination, REGN-COV2, as potential Covid-19 treatment. The alliance is estimated to boost supply of the therapeutic by at least three and a half times the existing capacity, and may expand even further. If approved, REGN-COV2 will be distributed in the US by Regeneron and outside the US by Roche.

Serum Institute of India has launched Phase II/III clinical trials of Covid-19 vaccine candidate named Covishield in healthy adult volunteers. A total of 1,600 participants aged at least 18 years old will be enrolled in the trial at 17 sites in India. Meanwhile, a Subject Expert Committee at the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) in India recommended approval for a Phase III trial to test Gufic Bioscience’s hepatitis B injection, Thymosin @-1, for moderate to severe Covid-19.

South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has granted approval for Green Cross to conduct a Phase II clinical trial of its investigational Covid-19 plasma-based drug candidate. The trial will assess the safety and efficacy of the treatment in 60 severe patients with underlying conditions such as pneumonia. The company was allowed to skip Phase I trials, noted Reuters.

Dr Reddy’s Laboratories has launched Avigan (Favipiravir) 200mg Tablets in India to treat Covid-19 as part of its licensing agreement with Fujifilm Toyama Chemical. The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) approved the drug for mild to moderate Covid-19 patients. For expedited access to the drug, Dr Reddy’s has started a free home delivery service in 42 cities across the country.