Pakistan to manufacture COVID-19 drug in collaboration with American company, says Dr Zafar Mirza

by Web Desk

Reading Time: 2 mins read

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on HealthDr Zafar Mirza on Friday, announced that Pakistan will soon be able to manufacture COVID-19 drug – Remdesivir, under license from US pharmaceutical company Gilead.

Speaking to a press conference in Islamabad, Dr Zafar Mirza Pakistan is one of the five countries with which the US company has signed licensing agreement for manufacturing Remdesivir, a drug used to treat COVID-19 patients.

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“American company Gilead has manufactured this drug and it has proven effective in treating coronavirus patients,” he said.

The use of the drug has reduced the intensity of the coronavirus by 30% in American hospitals, he added.

According to Dr Zafar Mirza, the manufacturing process is expected to start in the next two months as it will require various NOCs, clearance several departments and a proper infrastructure.

Highlighting the significance of the development, Dr Zafar Mirza Stated, “It will not only be available for patients in Pakistan but the plan is to export this drug to 127 countries. Pakistan will be among three countries in the world to produce and export this to 127 countries. This is a big breakthrough and this is big news for coronavirus patients in Pakistan, who are increasing by the day and are expected to increase more.”

The development comes as Prime Minister Imran Khan, on May 7, held a video conference with the US pharmaceutical company, Gilead, and informed them of Pakistan’s willingness to be included in the manufacturing of the drug. The premier had urged the US company to partner with Pakistani counterparts for the manufacturing of drug within Pakistan as well.

It is to be noted that Gilead signed non-exclusive voluntary licensing agreement with Pakistani pharmaceutical company Ferozsons Laboratories Limited for the manufacturing of Remdesivir drug.

As per the agreement the company will have a right to receive a technology transfer of the Gilead manufacturing process for Remdesivir to enable it to scale up production more quickly. Furthermore, it will allow the company to set its own prices for the generic product it produces.