Dr Reddy’s Takes Key Step on HIV Medication

Hyderabad based Dr Reddy’s Laboratories is expanding its generic drug portfolio with plans to manufacture and market generic lenacapavir injections, a medicine used to prevent HIV infection. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has approved the company’s plans to manufacture and market the injections in India without conducting Phase III clinical trials. Enquiries Pharma has also received similar approval. Market sources expect the move to reduce the current price of the injections, which can cost up to around ₹3,500 each, by 50–70%.

Lenacapavir is patented by Gilead Sciences, which has allowed several companies, including Dr Reddy’s and Hetero, to manufacture and sell the drug royalty-free in India and 120 low-income countries. The injections are administered twice a year. Meanwhile, Dr Reddy’s subsidiary Aurigene Pharma has secured a long term contract to manufacture and supply sterile injectables and biologics to an international company. The contract will initially cover 20 products, with more products expected to be added later, and revenue is expected to begin from the next financial year.