Coronavirus Update: Generics And Hurdles For Molnupiravir, More Japan Approvals

Plus, Valneva Promise Vs Omicron, CalciMedica Drug Progresses

More generic deals but also US approval hurdles for Merck's oral antiviral, while Japan approves more options and Valneva's vaccine candidate shows promise against Omicron. 

Molnupiravir
More generic deals but also US efficacy hurdles for molnupiravir • Source: Alamy

Hanmi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. has reached an agreement with the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) to manufacture a generic version of Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD)’s oral COVID-19 antiviral Lagevrio (molnupiravir) and to supply and sell the drug to some of the 105 low- to middle-income countries covered by the license agreement between MPP and MSD. Lagevrio is still undergoing an approval process in South Korea.

Hanmi’s active pharmaceutical ingredient affiliate Hanmi Fine Chemical will immediately begin manufacturing the raw ingredients and Hanmi Pharmaceutical’s smart plant...

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