Remdesivir has been widely used to treat COVID-19 patients. Its demand has skyrocketed due to a rise in coronavirus infection in India. (Representative Image)Live bsense Live Volume Todays L/H PlusDrug manufacturers have asked the government to lift export restrictions on Remdsivir in order to clear large inventories. This is because demand for the antiviral jab, which is given to COVID-19 hospitalized patients, has dropped sharply.To meet the demand for the coronavirus pandemic, manufacturers had to increase their capacity quickly."In a pandemic such as COVID-19, things can turn out to be unpredictable. Dharmesh Shah (Chairman of BDR Pharmaceuticals), which produces Remdesivir for Cipla, stated that they have increased their capacities to respond to government calls."The government will need to build a stockpile to make sure we don't get stranded in the event of a third wave. Shah said that although the government had done strategic provisioning, the drug is now available for export.The government banned Remdesivir exports in April. The government was aware of the falling demand for Remdesivir and moved it to the'restricted category' on June 14. This means that manufacturers can export the drug, but must obtain clearances from the relevant authorities. These restrictions are now being sought by manufacturers.COVID-19 Vaccine Commonly Asked Questions View More How does a vaccine function? The vaccine mimics a natural infection. A vaccine induces an immune response that protects people against future COVID-19 infections. It also builds herd immunity quickly to end the pandemic. A vaccine induces immunity in a sufficient number of people to prevent the spread of a disease from person-to-person. Good news is that the SARS-CoV-2 virus was relatively stable which makes it more likely that a vaccine will be developed. There are many vaccines. There are four main types of vaccines. One is a vaccine that is based on the entire virus. Two is a vaccine that is based on a virus vector. Three are nucleic-acid vaccines with genetic material such as DNA and RNA of the antigens. Four are protein subunit vaccines. These vaccines contain the recombinant SARS-COV-2 proteins along an adjuvant (booster). How long does it take for a vaccine to be developed? The process of developing a vaccine is complex and long. Vaccines are not given to patients with a specific disease, but are administered to healthy people as well as to vulnerable groups such children and pregnant women. It is mandatory to undergo rigorous testing. Although five years is the fastest time to develop a vaccine, it often takes twice as long or more. See moreSome states cancelled purchases orders for 4.63 lakh vials mid-June, despite adequate supplies.Falling demandSeven companies produce Remdesivir -- Cipla and Hetero as well as Cadila Healthcare, Cadila Healthcare. Dr Reddy's is also involved in the production of Remdesivir. The license was granted by Gilead, an American drugmaker. These companies often rely on other manufacturers to supply API and do fill and finish.The government claims that domestic production increased from 38 lakh vials per monthly towards the end of March, to almost 122 lakh vials each month. This was due to the rapid approval of 40 manufacturing sites by Drug Controller General of India (DCGI). Thus, the total number of sites has increased to 62.Moneycontrol was told by a representative of Remdesivir's manufacturer that they have a few thousand doses of stock.The executive said that "my phone used to ring all day, from the States, hospitals, and individuals. Now it's not. It is now freely available."From 4 lakh in May's peak, India has seen a decline in COVID-19 cases. Remdesivir is administered to COVID-19 patients in hospital. Hospitalizations account for about 10-15% of COVID-19 patients. Remdesivir would be required for 5-6 injections.Buffer constructionOn April 21, the Centre assumed responsibility for Remdesivir's allocation to ensure equitable distribution throughout the country. This was done in an interim period until production is ramped-up and the drug becomes adequately available on the market.From April 21 to May 30, 2020, the government distributed 98.87 million Remdesivir vials to all states, union territories, and Central Health Institutions. The government decided to discontinue the centralised allocation due to a decrease in active cases and adequate availability at the end May 2021.In its most recent affidavit, filed before the Supreme Court on June 26, the government stated that it had provided the drug to the States through central procurement to build sufficient stocks for future contingencies.The government stated that close collaboration was maintained with the manufacturers in order to keep adequate supplies of drugs and raw materials in case of a future sharp rise in demand.A suo motu petition is being heard by the Supreme Court regarding the COVID-19 response of government.
