- Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd RDY said it was open to making Pfizer Inc's PFE COVID-19 antiviral pill, Reuters reported.
- The new drugs can be used to treat patients once they contract coronavirus infection and are expected to be a substantial market.
- Merck Inc MRK has given out licenses to manufacturers in developing countries to ensure a swift global supply, and companies are hopeful that Pfizer will do the same.
- Related: Merck Teams Up With Indian Generic Players To Expand COVID-19 Drug Access, Production.
- "Yeah, yeah, absolutely," Dr. Reddy's co-chairman and managing director, G.V. Prasad, told Reuters in an interview when asked about making rival products from the U.S. companies.
- "Dr. Reddy's remains open to all opportunities," a company spokesperson said separately.
- Prasad said Dr. Reddy's had not yet initiated any talks with Pfizer before the U.S. company sought regulatory permissions.
- Dr. Reddy's expects the Indian regulator to approve Merck's molnupiravir as soon as the FDA does.
- Britain and Bangladesh have already authorized the drug, and India could be a big market with 1.35 billion people.
- Also Read: Indian Study Shows Merck's COVID-19 Antiviral Candidate Less Effective Against Moderate Infection: Reuters.
- Price Action: MRK shares are down 0.96% at $82.89 during the premarket session on the last check Tuesday.
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