Eli Lilly signs licensing pact with Cipla, Sun, Lupin for Covid-19 drug

On 10 April 2021, Eli Lily U.S. pharma giant has announced to give license to manufacture Baricitinib drug which is used to treat COVID-19. This license is given to three Indian major pharmaceuticals company Cipla, Sun Pharmaceuticals, and Lupin.

“The voluntary licensing agreements will ensure high-quality manufacturing and accessibility of Baricitinib during this pandemic, improving the local treatment options available to positively impact the lives of people who are currently battling Covid-19 in India,” Eli Lilly said in a statement.

Luca Visini, managing director of Eli Lilly, India subcontinent, said that the firm has responded to the current surge of the pandemic in the country by issuing licenses for Baricitinib to accelerate its local manufacturing and distribution. “More licences to additional Indian generic manufacturers are expected to be announced soon,” Visini added

Eli obtained approval for limited emergency use of Baricitinib from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), a division of the Ministry of Health, on May 3. The medication will be used in conjunction with Remdesivir to treat hospitalized patients who need extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, supplemental oxygen, or intrusive mechanical ventilation (ECMO)

Eli Lilly has already sent the Indian government 400,000 Baricitinib tablets. “We will continue to look at other potential programmers to support patients and the Indian healthcare system,” Visini said.

“The voluntary licensing agreements will ensure high-quality manufacturing and accessibility of Baricitinib during this pandemic, improving the local treatment options available to positively impact the lives of people who are currently battling Covid-19 in India,” Eli Lilly said in a statement.