Remdesivir Sold At 8 Times Its Price In Delhi: Agra Chemists

AGRA, 19 JULY 2020:

In the wake of the rising demand for experimental Covid-19 medicine Remdesivir, Agra chemists have alleged that major dealers in Delhi are selling the drug for eight times its price, amid a supply crunch.

According to local medicine wholesalers, the antiviral drug, a vial for which costs around Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000, is being sold in the black market in Delhi for around Rs 40,000. They said that the drug is not available anywhere in Uttar Pradesh, due to which, they have to depend on Delhi for its procurement.

Puneet Kalra, spokesperson of Agra Pharma Association said, “The demand for Remdesivir has increased significantly in the last 15 days. Many caretakers of Covid-19 patients approach us for the drug. However, we have no option but to turn them away as there is no stock available with the local wholesalers and retailers. Taking advantage of the short supply, some of the major stockists in Delhi are selling it at around Rs 40,000 per vial, which is roughly eight times the MRP.”

The demand for Remdesivir has shot up in recent times as it is touted to be the best line for treatment of Covid-19 patients after it was found to help shorten the recovery span in clinical trials. US-based Gilead Sciences, which owns patents to produce the drug in India, has entered into non-exclusive licence agreements with four Indian drug manufacturers to ensure its availability in the country.

As Remdesivir is yet to be widely available, there have been numerous complaints about profiteering by major dealers prompting the drug administration to issue a directive to all medicine wholesalers and retailers in the Taj city to maintain a record of sale and purchase of the anti-viral and share daily reports on the same.

Senior drug inspector Rajkumar said, “We have received several complaints in the last two weeks about the sale of Remdesivir injection in the black market. The drug is in short supply across the country and only around 2,000 vials are being produced daily at present. Taking advantage of the short supply and sudden spike in demand, some dealers in Delhi are stock-piling and black marketing the drug.”

“We even interacted with the area sales manager of the drug manufacturer and found that the medicine is not available in the district. To curb scope for black marketing, we have asked all medicine wholesalers and retailers here to maintain a record of sale and purchase of the drug with all details of the patient and the doctor who prescribed it,” he added.

However, pharmacists feel that more needs to be done. Kalra said, “The government should take time-bound action to regulate the price of the drug and ensure adequate supply.” Earlier, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), too, had suggested regulating the price of the drug stating that it can bring down the treatment cost substantially. The Times Of India