First: Beximco Pharma launches generic version of Pfizer Paxlovid for COVID treatment

Written by Ruchika Sharma Published On 2021-12-31T15:26:33+05:30 | Updated On 31 Dec 2021 3:30 PM IST

First: Beximco Pharma launches generic version of Pfizer Paxlovid for COVID treatment

The company will market the product under the brand name Bexovid.

New Delhi: Beximco Pharmaceuticals Limited has announced the launch of the world's first generic version of Pfizer's COVID-19 treatment Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir tablets, co-packaged for oral use) which was granted emergency use authorization (EUA) by the US FDA on 22 December 2021.

Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA), Bangladesh granted EUA for the oral antiviral drug on 30 December 2021 to treat mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults and children of 12 years and above. 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.

Nirmatrelvir inhibits a SARS-CoV-2 enzyme to stop the virus from replicating, and ritonavir slows down nirmatrelvir's breakdown to help it remain in the body for a longer period at higher concentrations. The treatment is given as two tablets of nirmatrelvir and one tablet of ritonavir together twice a day for five days. Bexovid is available by prescription only and should be initiated as soon as possible after diagnosis of COVID-19 and within five days of symptom onset.

Mr. Nazmul Hassan MP, Managing Director of Beximco Pharmaceuticals, commented: "Having previously introduced the world's first generic COVID-19 treatments of remdesivir and molnupiravir, we are pleased to add this breakthrough therapy to our portfolio. It is further testament to our commitment to making affordable treatments accessible as soon as possible. As data continues to emerge demonstrating the effectiveness of nirmatrelvir and ritonavir against the the fast-emerging Omicron variant, we believe that Bexovid has the potential to be a powerful tool in combating the ongoing pandemic."

Beximco Pharma is a manufacturer and exporter of medicines based in Bangladesh. Company's broad portfolio of generics encompasses diverse delivery systems such as tablets, capsules, liquids, semi-solids, intravenous fluids, metered dose inhalers, dry powder inhalers, sterile ophthalmic drops, insulins, prefilled syringes, injectables, nebuliser solutions, oral soluble films etc.

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Ruchika Sharma

Ruchika Sharma joined Medical Dialogue as an Correspondent for the Business Section in 2019. She covers all the updates in the Pharmaceutical field, Policy, Insurance, Business Healthcare, Medical News, Health News, Pharma News, Healthcare and Investment. She has completed her B.Com from Delhi University and then pursued postgraduation in M.Com. She can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in Contact no. 011-43720751