FIVE Indian generic drugmakers, including Cipla and Dr Reddy's Laboratories, have said that they would jointly conduct a clinical trial in India for Merck & Co's experimental anti-viral drug to treat mild Covid-19 in non-hospitalised patients.
Between March and April, each of these companies, including Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Torrent Pharmaceuticals and privately held Emcure Pharmaceuticals, partnered with Merck to expand production of the drug, Molnupiravir, hastening its availability in India to address a new wave of infections in the country.
The partnership gave the companies license to make and supply Molnupiravir to India and more than 100 low- and middle-income countries following approvals or emergency authorization by local regulatory agencies, Merck said in late April.
On Tuesday (29), the Indian companies said they would jointly sponsor, supervise and monitor the clinical trial in the country, expected to take place between June and September this year in 1,200 patients.
The trial will be conducted following the approval of its protocol by the Drugs Controller General of India and the companies will independently approach regulatory authorities for approval to manufacture and supply molnupiravir in India after the trial's completion.
Coronavirus cases in India have declined from a devastating peak in April and May. However, health experts have said that the country should brace for a third wave by October.
Molnupiravir is currently being tested in a global late-stage study by Merck and partner Ridgeback Biotherapeutics for the treatment of non-hospitalized Covid-19 patients, with the data from the study expected in the fall of 2021.
India on Wednesday (30) reported 45,951 new Covid-19 infections over the past 24 hours, data from the health ministry showed.
India's coronavirus-related deaths rose by 817 overnight, it added.
Vogue 1940; Designer Elsa Schiaparelli wearing black silk dress with crocheted collar of her own design and a turbanFredrich Baker/Condé Nast via Getty Images
'Tears' Evening dress and head veil, designed by Elsa Schiaparelli, February 1938 for Circus Collection, summer 1938. Fabric designed by Salvador Dali Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Natasha Poonawalla attends The 2022 Met GalaGetty Images 
Vogue 1936; Two models, standing in a white room with arrows painted on walls and wearing dresses by Schiaparelli;Cecil Beaton/Condé Nast via Getty Images
Many of these beaches are tidal and best enjoyed at low tideiStock
It’s also unofficially clothing-optionaliStock
Framed by the turquoise seaiStock
It’s best visited early or late in the dayiStock