Beximco introduces world's first generic version of Pfizer's Paxlovid

Bangladeshi generics and active ingredients maker Beximco Pharmaceuticals today announced the launch of the world's first generic version of Pfizer’s (NYSE: PFE) COVID-19 treatment Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir tablets, co-packaged for oral use), which was granted emergency use authorization (EUA) by the US Food and Drug Administration on December 22, 2021.

Bangladesh’s Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) today granted EUA for the oral antiviral drug to treat mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults and children of 12 years and above, the company noted.

This novel antiviral pill showed almost 90% efficacy in preventing hospitalizations and deaths in high-risk patients, and recent data from Pfizer suggests the drug retains its effectiveness against the fast-spreading Omicron variant of the coronavirus. Beximco Pharma will market this product under the brand name Bexovid, initially in Bangladesh.