In an initiative to make the country self-reliant in raw materials for drugs, particularly those used in fight against the Covid-19, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), Hyderabad, has joined hands with LAXAI Life Sciences, a Hyderabad-based integrated pharmaceutical company, to develop and manufacture Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and drug intermediates, the key components of any drug that produces the intended effects.
The collaboration will primarily focus on Umifenovir, Remdesivir and a key intermediate of Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) used in fight against the Coronavirus that has taken toll on around 750 people in the country.
So far, India has heavily relied on China for supply of APIs and drug intermediates. The initiative may help in reducing the dependency of the Indian pharmaceutical sector on Chinese imports of these ingredients, said a Government statement here.
IICT, a laboratory under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), is already working with LAXAI for synthesis of drugs being used in the fight against the Corona Virus.
India, one of the largest producers of anti-malarial drug HCQ, has seen a spurt in demand in the recent weeks. It has sent HCQ to over 50 countries over the last few days, including the United States.
The collaboration will result in a cost-effective process with minimal dependency on China for key raw materials. In addition, Remdesivir, which has been previously administered to Ebola virus patients, is currently under clinical trials to evaluate efficacy and safety against COVID -19.
Realising that drug security and undisrupted access to essential medicines are critical for public health, Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a special package for promotion of bulk drug manufacturing in India and reduction of our dependence on China.
The collaboration will use the know-how for commercial manufacturing of the products. LAXAI Life Sciences shall be one of the first few to commercialize these products. The manufacturing of these APIs and intermediates will be taken up at U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA)/Good manufacturing practice (GMP) approved plants held by LAXAI through its subsidiary, Therapiva Private Limited, said the statement here.