India's 1st Covid antiviral pill for Rs 1,399; set to hit market soon

Mankind Pharma’s Covid antiviral drug, Molnupiravir, has been launched in India for treating mild to moderate Covid symptoms. The pill has been launched after it was granted emergency approval by the Drug Controller General of India. The 5-day course of pills can be bought for Rs 1,399, making it one of the cheapest anti-covid therapies during the ongoing pandemic. Other Pharma companies such as Hetero, Sun Pharma and Dr Reddy’s are currently developing their own oral therapies as well. These treatments are expected to cost between Rs 1,500 and 2,500 once available. However, these treatments have received permission for restricted use among high-risk adults only, facing SpO2 levels of 93 per cent and below.