DTMT NETWORK

Drug manufacturers Cipla and Roche-India, in collaboration, have launched Roche’s Antibody Cocktail (Casirivimab and Imdevimab) that  is indicated for restricted use in emergency situation for the treatment of mild to moderate Covid-19 in patients who are at high risk of severe

Covid-19. The combination has shown that it reduces the risk of hospitalization, fatality by 70% and shortens the duration of symptoms by four days.

In a joint statement, Roche India and Cipla have said that the first batch of the Antibody Cocktail (Casirivimab and Imdevimab) is now available in India, while a second batch will be made available by mid-June. In total they can potentially benefit 200,000 patients as each of the 100,000 packs that will be available in India offers treatment for two patients,” the companies have stated.

According to the statement, the price for each patient dose [a combined dose of 1200 mg (600 mg of Casirivimab and 600 mg of Imdevimab)] will cost Rs 59,750/- inclusive of all taxes.

"The maximum retail price for the multi dose pack (each pack can treat two patients) is Rs 119,500 inclusive of all taxes. Cipla will distribute the product by leveraging its strong distribution strengths across the country. The drug will be available through leading hospitals and Covid treatment centers," reads the statement.

V. Simpson Emmanuel, Managing Director and CEO, Roche Pharma India, stated that Roche is deeply committed to support the ongoing efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, mitigate the deadly second wave and save lives.

“We are optimistic that 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 treatment of high risk patients before their condition worsens,” added Emmanuel.

Mr Umang Vohra, MD and Global CEO of Cipla, said, “We are guided by our strong sense of responsibility to address unmet patient needs and look forward to leveraging our solid marketing and distribution strengths in India to provide broader, equitable access to this innovative treatment option in the country”.