First batch arrival of Remdesivir in Nepal 

Kathmandu, August 31. Yetichem Distributors Pvt. Ltd. announced the arrival of the first batch of Remdesivir in Nepal. Cipla Limited (BSE: 500087; NSE: CIPLA EQ) – a leading manufacturer for global market is providing the dispatch of Remdesivir through Yetichem under the brand name ‘CIPREMI’ (Remdesivir lyophilised powder for injection 100mg) for the treatment of Covid-19. The company was given accelerated regulatory approval by the Department of Drug Administration (DDA), the Ministry of Health and Population in light of the urgent need for promising COVID-19 treatments in Nepal. 

The first batch of 480 vials is made avilable at NRS 6400 per vial, which is the lowest priced generic version of Remdesivir as part of Cipla’s efforts to give patients access to this essential therapy. Prabhu R. Vaidya, Chairman, Yetichem Distributors Pvt Ltd said, “We have received the permission for 2000 vials. The medicine will be made available in three batches. The second batch of 480 vials will be available on 10 September. The remaining 1040 vials will be made available on 25 September. 

The government has started to administer Remdesivir to the patient in need since the number of the critical patient infected with COVID-19 has increased significantly in Nepal. The protocols and guidelines set forth by the Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC), in direct surveillance of doctors, must be followed while medicating the virus patients with Remdesivir. 

Remdesivir is currently the only U.S. FDA approved Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) treatment for adult and paediatric patients hospitalized with suspected or laboratory confirmed COVID-19 infection. In a US-run clinical trial released in late April, Remdesivir reduced hospitalization stays by 31%, or about four days, compared to a placebo. “The medicine stops replication of SARS-CoV-2 in the body. It is usually given to the COVID-19 patients who are in serious condition with reduced oxygen saturation in the body due to the infection and has proved to be efficient for patients who have been put in the Intensive Care Unit,” said Dr. Ashesh Dhungana, NAMS Bir Hospital. 

Prabhu R. Vaidya, Chairman, Yetichem Distributors Pvt Ltd said, “Yetichem is striving to ensure the supply of the medicine that is much needed at the hospitals and prioritized areas with highest burden of severe Civid-19 cases.” He further added that, various studies has shown that Remdesivir is effective in treating ICU patients. Based on the successful trials, commercial distribution of the medicine should be allowed by the government.