India bans export of Remdesivir drug as Covid cases spike

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India said on Sunday it had banned the export of anti-viral drug Remdesivir and its active pharmaceutical ingredients as the surge in  COVID-19 cases has led to a sharp increase in the domestic demand for the medicine.</p>
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“In light of the above, Government of India has prohibited the exports of Injection Remdesivir and Remdesivir Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) till the situation improves,” the health ministry said in a statement.</p>
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"India is witnessing a recent surge in COVID cases. As on March 1, there are 11.08 lakh active COVID cases and they are steadily increasing. This has led to a sudden spike in demand for Injection Remdesivir used in treatment of COVID patients. There is a potential of a further increase in demand for Remdesivir injection in the coming days," the statement added,</p>
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Department of Pharmaceuticals has been in contact with domestic manufacturers to ramp up the production of Remdesivir, it further stated.</p>
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In its fresh order, it said that all domestic manufactures of Remdesivir advised to display on their website, details of their stockists/distributors to facilitate access to the drug.</p>
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"Drugs inspectors and other officers directed to verify stocks and also take measures to curb hoarding and black marketing," it added.</p>
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Remdesivir is considered a key anti-viral drug in the fight against COVID-19, especially in adult patients with severe complications.</p>
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Seven Indian companies are producing Injection Remdesivir under voluntary licensing agreement with M/s. Gilead Sciences, USA. They have an installed capacity of about 38.80 lakh units per month.</p>