On April 25, 2020 Indian Institute of Chemical Technology(IICT), a laboratory under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research(CSIR) has collaborated with LAXAI Life Sciences Private Limited, an integrated pharmaceutical company, to develop and manufacture Active pharmaceutical ingredients(APIs) and drug intermediates, which will help to reduce dependency of the Indian pharmaceutical sector on Chinese imports of these ingredients.
Key Points
i.The collaboration principally focuses on Umifenovir, Remdesivir and a key intermediate of HydroxyChloroQuine (HCQ) & will result in a cost-effective process with minimal dependency on China for key raw materials.
ii.The manufacturing of the products will be taken up in the United States(U.S.) Food and Drug Administration (USFDA)/Good manufacturing practice (GMP) approved plants held by LAXAI through its subsidiary, Therapiva Private Limited & LAXAI Life Sciences is one of the first few to commercialize these products.
iii.India is one of the largest producers of anti-malarial drug HCQ & has experienced a sudden demand in recent weeks, where it has sent HCQ to over 50 countries over the last few days, including the United States.
iv.Remdesivir is previously administered to Ebola virus patients & is currently undergoing clinical trials to evaluate efficacy and safety against COVID -19.
v.Realising that drug security and undisrupted access to essential medicines is critical for public health, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a special package for promotion of bulk drug manufacturing in India and reduction of our dependence on China.
About LAXAI Life Sciences:
It was established in 2007 with a vision to accelerate the discovery chemistry campaign of global pharmaceutical companies. Now, it has grown into an integrated pharmaceutical company with presence in API / formulation development as well as API manufacturing.
Headquarters– Hyderabad
CEO– Ram Upadhayaya
About CSIR-IICT:
Headquarters– Hyderabad
Director– Srivari(S) Chandrasekhar
