Cipla partners with MSD to manufacture and distribute Molnupiravir drug to treat Covid-19

Cipla has entered into a non-exclusive licensing agreement with MSD (called Merck in the US and Canada) for the manufacturing and distribution of Molnupiravir (EIDD-2801/MK-4482), an investigational oral antiviral drug for the treatment of Covid-19 in patients who are not hospitalized.

Molnupiravir is currently being assessed in a phase 3 trial. It is being developed by MSD in collaboration with Ridgeback Biotherapeutics.

According to the agreement, Cipla will be allowed to manufacture, distribute, and market Molnupiravir in India and also 100 low and middle income nations.

Cipla claimed that its vast geographical commercial presence will make the potential treatment available to more patients and markets.

Molnupiravir is an orally bioavailable form of a potent ribonucleotide analog that hinders the replication of multiple RNA viruses, which includes the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes Covid-19.

Cipla partners with MSD to manufacture and distribute Molnupiravir drug to treat Covid-19. Image courtesy of Daniel Roberts from Pixabay.

The investigational drug has been shown to be active in various models of SARS-CoV-2, including for prophylaxis, treatment, and prevention of transmission, and also SARS-CoV-1 and MERS.

EIDD-2801 was invented at Drug Innovations at Emory, a not-for-profit biotech company, which is fully owned by Emory University in Atlanta.

Umang Vohra – MD and Global CEO of Cipla said: “Cipla continues to remain at the forefront in its fight against COVID-19. As we are hit by the second wave, it is pivotal for us to embrace the power of collaboration in order to combat the threat to human life.

“We are pleased to partner with MSD for this cause and take this treatment to patients across countries. In keeping with our purpose of Caring for Life, this collaboration will expand patient access to quality treatment for COVID-19.”