Beximco launches generic version of Pfizer's Covid-19 pill

Generic drug manufacturer Beximco Pharmaceuticals announced the launch of the world's first generic version of Pfizer's Covid-19 treatment ‘Paxlovid’, or nirmatrelvir and ritonavir tablets co-packaged for oral use, on Thursday.

Paxlovid was granted emergency use authorisation by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on 22 December.

The AIM-traded firm said Bangladesh’s Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA), had also now granted emergency use authorisation for the oral antiviral drug, to treat mild-to-moderate Covid-19 in adults and children over 12 years of age.

It said the novel antiviral pill showed almost 90% efficacy in preventing hospitalisations and deaths in high-risk patients, with recent data from Pfizer suggesting the drug retained its effectiveness against the fast-spreading Omicron variant.

Beximco said it would market the product under the brand ‘Bexovid’, initially in Bangladesh.

The company explained that nirmatrelvir inhibits a SARS-CoV-2 enzyme to stop the virus from replicating, while ritonavir slows down nirmatrelvir's breakdown to help it remain in the body for a longer period at higher concentrations.

The treatment is given as two tablets of nirmatrelvir and one tablet of ritonavir together twice a day for five days.

“Having previously introduced the world's first generic Covid-19 treatments of remdesivir and molnupiravir, we are pleased to add this breakthrough therapy to our portfolio,” said managing director Nazmul Hassan.

“It is further testament to our commitment to making affordable treatments accessible as soon as possible.

“As data continues to emerge demonstrating the effectiveness of nirmatrelvir and ritonavir against the fast-emerging Omicron variant, we believe that Bexovid has the potential to be a powerful tool in combating the ongoing pandemic.”

At 1543 GMT, shares in Beximco Pharmaceuticals were up 4.15% at 113p.