Pharma major Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories on Tuesday said it would launch 200 mg capsules of molnupiravir, the anti-viral drug that India recently granted emergency use authorisation for COVID-19 treatment, at Rs. 35 each under the brand name Molflu.

Each strip would have 10 capsules. With the recommended dose of 800 mg twice a day for five days, the total course of 40 capsules would cost Rs. 1,400, making it among the most affordable treatment options available to patients, Dr. Reddy’s said.

Molflu is expected to be available from early next week in pharmacies throughout the country with particular focus on States with a high caseload of COVID-19. The drug would be manufactured in a facility approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Dr. Reddy’s is among a clutch of companies that received emergency use authorisation last week from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) to manufacture and market molnupiravir capsules for the treatment of adult patients with COVID-19 who have a high risk of progression of the disease. Last year, the drug maker, like many others, entered into a non-exclusive voluntary licensing agreement with Merck Sharpe Dohme (MSD) to manufacture and supply molnupiravir in India and to over 100 low and middle-income countries.

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