Eli Lilly and Company, India, a subsidiary of the US biopharmaceutical major, on Tuesday announced that it has received permission for restricted emergency use of its antibody drugs—combination of bamlanivimab 700 mg and etesevimab 1,400 mg for treatment of patients with mild to moderate Covid-19 in India. The combo has been authorised for emergency use in the US and select EU countries for the treatment of mild to moderate Covid-19. Luca Visini, Managing Director, India subcontinent, Lilly India, Bamlanivimab and etesevimab together can be administered via injection in a restricted manner to adults and paediatric patients (12 years and older, weighing at least 40kg) in an emergency at hospitals to treat of mild to moderate Covid-19.
The eligible patients should have a positive result of the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of direct Sars-CoV-2 viral testing, and be at high risk for progressing to severe Covid-19 and, or hospitalisation, and should not require oxygen.
According to the company statement, Lilly is engaging in active dialogue with the Indian government and regulatory authorities to donate bamlanivimab and etesevimab in order to speed up access and provide treatment options for patients with Covid-19.