Cipla partners with MSD to manufacture COVID-19 antiviral drug Molnupiravir

Cipla Limited, a global pharmaceutical company, announced this afternoon that it has entered into a non-exclusive licensing agreement with Merck & Co, Inc (MSD) for the manufacturing & distribution of Molnupiravir.  

Molnupiravir is the investigational oral antiviral drug currently being studied in a phase 3 trial for the treatment of non-hospitalised COVID-19 patients. MSD is developing Molnupiravir in collaboration with Ridgeback Biotherapeutics. This agreement is aligned with Cipla’s efforts to enhance global access to treatments for COVID-19 patients.   

As a part of the agreement, Cipla will be permitted to manufacture, market & distribute Molnupiravir in India and in more than 100 low-income & middle-income countries. Cipla’s strong foothold across the globe will help make this therapy accessible to more patients and markets.  

Umang Vohra (MD & Global CEO, Cipla Limited) says, “Cipla continues to remain at the forefront in its fight against COVID-19. As we are hit by the second wave, it is pivotal for us to embrace the power of collaboration in order to combat the threat to human life. We are pleased to partner with MSD for this cause and take this treatment to patients across countries. In keeping with our purpose of caring for life, this collaboration will expand patient access to quality treatment for COVID-19.”  

At 3.37 pm, the share price of Cipla Limited was trading at Rs 908.50 on BSE, which was a decrease of 0.41 per cent over its previous day’s closing price of Rs 912.25.