Gilead is closely evaluating the situation for remdesivir in India as the country tackles shortages of the drug, which has several local licensees, with instances of black marketing adding to the local woes. The US firm clearly will not want any momentum towards possible compulsory licensing as initiated by Hungary and Russia, even as Indian firms have cut prices of the antiviral.

India stops remdesivir exports amid steep surge in COVID-19 cases, while licensees of Gilead’s antiviral take multiple measures to ramp up production to meet local demand. One badly affected state stresses the need to stem panic given the limitations of the treatment, even as some non-licensees of the drug apparently seek to contribute to supplies.

India stops remdesivir exports amid steep surge in COVID-19 cases, while licensees of Gilead’s antiviral progress multiple measures to ramp up production to meet local demand. One badly affected state stresses the need to stem panic given the limitations of the treatment, even as some non-licensees of the drug apparently seek to contribute to supplies.

COVID-19 doesn't seem to be going away any time soon and antivirals remdesivir and favipiravir remain part of the treatment armamentarium. “Safety inventories” are in place for remdesivir in India, while a key physician anticipates an uptick in the use of favipiravir amid a surge in cases in some parts of the country.