On Monday, Pharmaceutical Major Cipla Limited announced that it has entered into a royalty-free, non-exclusive voluntary licensing agreement with Eli Lilly and Company, USA, for the production and commercialization of rheumatoid arthritis drug Baricitinib. It will help in the treatment of Covid-19 patients.
Baricitinib was restricted to emergency use only, on subject to approval by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), Union Ministry of Health. It is to be used in combination with Remdesivir for the treatment of suspected or laboratory confirmed Covid-19 hospitalized patients who are in need of supplemental oxygen, invasive mechanical ventilation, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).
Cipla said it will leverage its distribution footprint to make this treatment accessible to more patients and markets.
“Enabling access to high-quality treatment and medication is core to our purpose of ‘Caring for life.’ Through the pandemic, Cipla has been at the forefront of COVID care and our partnership with Lilly is a demonstration of our unwavering commitment to care towards patients impacted by Covid-19,” said Umang Vohra, MD and Global CEO, Cipla Limited partnership.
In a statement, Eli Lilly said, “These voluntary licensing agreements will ensure high quality manufacturing and accessibility of Baricitinib during this pandemic improving the local treatment options available to positively impact the lives of people who are currently battling COVID-19 in India.”
“Lilly is committed to supporting India in this healthcare challenge through our innovative and effective portfolio of breakthrough medicines,” said Luca Visini, Managing Director – India Subcontinent, Eli Lilly India.
“During the current surging Covid-19 pandemic, we have responded by issuing three voluntary licenses for Baricitinib by pharmaceutical companies in India to accelerate its local manufacturing and distribution under best quality conditions. More licenses to additional Indian generic manufacturers are expected to be announced soon,” Visini added.