Beximco launches world's first generic of COVID-19 antiviral molnupiravir

Bangladeshi generics and active ingredients maker Beximco Pharmaceuticals today announced the launch of the world's first generic molnupiravir, an oral antiviral drug for symptomatic COVID-19, following Emergency Use Authorization by the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA), the regulatory authority in Bangladesh. Beximco's branded generic version of molnupiravir will be marketed as Emorivir.

Recently developed by US pharma giant Merck & Co (NYSE: MRK) and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, molnupiravir is the world's first oral product to treat symptomatic COVID-19. It was approved last week by the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and is currently under review by several other regulatory authorities, including the European Medicines Agency and the US Food and Drug Administration.

Non-profit organization the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) and MSD, the ex-North America name of Merck & Co, recently signed a voluntary licensing agreement to facilitate affordable global access for molnupiravir. This agreement will help create broad access for molnupiravir use in 105 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) following appropriate regulatory approvals. Merck, partner Ridgeback and originator Emory University will not receive royalties for sales of molnupiravir under this agreement for as long as COVID-19 remains classified as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization.