Ipca, Cadila Gear Up To Make Drug For Covid-19

Hydroxychloroquine, a drug H whose largest manufacturer is an Indian firm, has shot into the limelight after the US president advocated it as potential therapy for COVID-19.

- Sohini Das

Ipca is the biggest producer of the drug. Cadila Healthcare, based in Ahmedabad, too is a major player. Both are gearing up to meet the demand and have said there will be enough supplies.

On top of this, a combination hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin, a common antibiotic, is being considered.

Vadodara-based drug major Alembic is the domestic market leader with its brand Azithral, with an almost 30 per cent share.

Sources said the country’s apex health research body, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), had included the drug in its protocol for treating COVID-19. The ICMR, however, has not confirmed this.

Pankaj Patel, chairman of Cadila Healthcare, said the firm was producing 20 tonnes of Hydroxychloroquine per month, and had started ramping up production.

He said the country could make 100 tonnes of the drug per month immediately.