Dr Reddys open to making Pfizer COVID pill after deal with Merck
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New Delhi: Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, one of a handful of Indian drug companies licensed to make a new COVID-19 pill developed by Merck, said on Monday it was open to making a similar pill from Pfizer, thought to be even more effective.
The new drugs, which unlike vaccines can be used to treat patients once they contract coronavirus infection, are expected to be a huge market. Merck 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.
"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, one of India's biggest drugmakers, had not yet initiated any talks with Pfizer before the U.S. company sought regulatory permissions.
Prasad said demand would dictate its production of the Merck drug, foreseeing a tough fight between the Indian companies.
"In the end, it will be a race to the bottom, it will be very competitive," he said. "There's not a lot of money to be made with these products."
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