India gives Hetero Labs approval to make Gilead's Covid-19 drug

India's drug regulator has given Hetero Labs the green light to manufacture and market its generic version of Gilead Science’s experimental Covid-19 treatment remdesivir, the Indian pharmaceutical company said on Sunday.

The drug, which will be marketed under the brand name Covifor, will likely be priced at 5,000 to 6,000 rupees ($66-$79) for a 100 milligram dose, Hetero said.

India's Cipla Ltd (CIPL.NS) has also received approval from the Drug Controller General of India (DGCI) to manufacture and market the drug, according to a report bit.ly/2AVcs0y in Indian Express.

Cipla and DGCI were not immediately available for comment.

Gilead Sciences Inc (GILD.O) signed non-exclusive licensing pacts last month with five generic drugmakers based in India and Pakistan to expand the supply of its COVID-19 treatment.

The pacts allow Jubilant Life Sciences Ltd (JULS.NS), Cipla, Hetero Labs, Mylan NV (MYL.O) and Ferozsons Laboratories Ltd FERO.PSX to make and sell the drug in 127 countries.