Indian Pharma giants Roche India and Cipla limited in a partnership have announced the antibody cocktail—Casirivimab and Imdevimab, now available in India.
This intravenous administration of the cocktails (Casirivimab & Imdevimab) 4 syringes (2 of each of 2.5ml) need to be injected simultaneously at 4 points on the abdomen or thigh. One patient requires 1200mg of dosage which is 1200mg will be sold at MRP of Rs 59,750. The multi-dose pack containing 2400mg of the cocktail can treat 2 patients per pack will be sold at the MRP of Rs 1,19,500.
The antibody cocktail is targeted at mild-to-moderate coronavirus patients above 12 years of age or older and at least weighing 40 kg. It will help in cutting down the chances of hospitalization of such patients by 70% and the aid of oxygen will also not be needed.
"The availability of Antibody Cocktail (Casirivimab and Imdevimab) in India can help in minimizing hospitalisation, ease the burden on healthcare systems and play a key role in the treatment of high-risk patients before their condition worsens," said V Simpson Emmanuel, Managing Director and CEO, Roche Pharma India. Umang Vohra, MD & Global CEO Cipla said the company looks forward to taking a grip on its "solid marketing and distribution strengths in India to provide broader, equitable access to this innovative treatment option in the country." The drug will be available in India through Cipla’s distribution network with the first batch of 1,00,000 packs that will benefit 2,00,000 patients as each pack can treat 2 patients. The Central Drugs Standards Control Organisation (CDSCO) has granted the Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) for the usage of the cocktail. It has also received a EUA in the US and several EU countries.