Natco, 9 others chosen to supply COVID-19 drug
The Hindu
UN-backed MPP signs sublicence pacts
United Nations-backed public health organisation Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) has signed sublicence agreements with 10 generic drugmakers in India for the manufacturing of COVID-19 antiviral oral drug molnupiravir and supply in 105 low- and-middle-income countries (LMICs).
Natco, Strides, Biophore, SMS Pharmaceuticals, Laurus, Lupin, MSN, Arene Lifesciences, BDR and Optimus are thecompanies in a list of 27 generic drugmakers from 11 countries with whom MPP on Thursday said it has signed agreements.
The sublicenses are the result of a voluntary licensing agreement between MPP and MSD (Merck & Co) in October to facilitate affordable global access for molnupiravir, which MSD is developing in partnership with Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, it said.