DRAP issues license to use Remdesivir for COVID-19

ISLAMABAD: The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has issued a license to use the malaria drug ‘Remdesivir’ in the treatment of coronavirus.

Special Assistant to Prime Minister Imran Khan for Health, Dr Zafar Mirza, said that DRAP has given permission for coronavirus patients to use Remdesivir during emergency remediation and its availability is being ensured.

Dr. Zafar Mirza said that the use of Remdesivir was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so in view of the increasing demand of patients, DRAP has also issued licenses to 2 importers and 14 local manufacturers.

In this regard, the spokesperson of DRAP said that the regulatory authority has also started issuing No Objection Certificate (NOC) immediately after the permission for use in the United States (US), Japan, United Kingdom (UK) and Europe. However, after the registration letters, the importers and manufacturers ensured the availability of the drug within 2 weeks.

Life-saving Coronavirus drug found

Searle Company Ltd introduces Remdesivir Injection for Coronavirus

A DRAP spokesman said that under the conditions, injections would be available at specific hospitals and institutions instead of the open market, and that DRAP would be notified if any side effects related to the drug were reported.

The regulatory authority directed that the drug can only be used by patients with a critical condition as directed by the doctor, so local manufacturers should be closely monitored for clinical use of Remdesivir.

In addition, a meeting of the Drug Pricing Committee (DPC) has been convened on an emergency basis to recommend the price of the drug to the Emergency Registration Board and the Cabinet to ensure the availability of injections.

Stay tuned to Baaghi TV for latest news and updates!