Reddy's To Launch Generic Version Of Merck's COVID-19 Drug At $0.50/Pill: Reuters

India-based Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd RDY will launch its generic version of Merck Co & Inc's MRK COVID-19 antiviral pill, reported Reuters.

• A company spokesperson said Reddy's would launch the molnupiravir generic at ₹35 ($0.4693) per capsule.
• The overall cost for a patient treated with a 5-day course of 40 capsules of the generic drug, sold under the name 'Molflu', will come up to ₹1,400 ($18.77). In the U.S., the treatment with Merck's pill costs $700.
• "Molflu is expected to be available from early next week in pharmacies throughout (India) with particular focus on states with a high caseload of COVID-19," the company spokesperson said.
• India last week gave emergency use approval to molnupiravir along with two vaccines.
• A total of 13 companies in India will make molnupiravir, the country's health minister said last week.
• Price Action: RDY shares are down 1.01% at $64.59, MRK shares are down 0.23% at $76.69 during the market session on the last check Tuesday.
• Image by Arek Socha from Pixabay