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WATERFALL-bAsED

cipLA TO bRinG cOviD-19

TREATmEnT TO sA

Antiviral medicine, remdesivir, approved as a treatment for cOviD-19.
c ipla, through a landmark agreement with Gilead

Sciences Inc. , has been granted a license to
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manufacture and distribute the antiviral medicine,
remdesivir, in 127 countries, including South
Africa , to support treatment measures of the Coronavirus
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(COVID-19) pandemic. Cipla will include several sub-Saharan
African countries within the distribution of remdesivir, as
many of these states are low-income countries and emerging
markets that face obstacles in accessing healthcare.

The Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for remdesivir was

first issued by the United States Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) on 1 May 2020 , mainly based upon a study funded by
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the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
in the USA. This study showed that remdesivir shortened the
time to recovery in patients hospitalised with COVID-19 .
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CEO of Cipla South Africa, Paul Miller
This authorisation for emergency use was granted by the
FDA on the basis that SARS-CoV-2 can cause a serious or life- access to life-saving medication. In much the same way that

threatening disease or condition; their view that the known Cipla pioneered affordable medication during the height of the
and potential benefits of remdesivir outweigh the known and HIV crisis about two decades ago and helped to save the lives

potential risks; and the fact that there is currently no adequate, of millions of people, we’re committed to help find a solution

approved alternative treatment available for COVID-19 . in the fight against this unprecedented global pandemic.”
3
Remdesivir is also approved for emergency and Cipla will, therefore, ensure that the price of its remdesivir
compassionate use in India, Japan and Singapore on similar will be less than or similar to prices offered in other emerging Experience the Spirit of SUCCESS

grounds . More recently, in June 2020, remdesivir was markets, thereby facilitating access to this medicine.
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recommended for a conditional marketing authorisation by
the European Medicines Agency, a regulatory mechanism to Cipla commenced manufacturing remdesivir in www.kyalamischools.org
facilitate early access to medicines that fulfil an unmet medical June 2020 on a dedicated line at one of its FDA-,

need, including in emergency situations in response to public WHO- and SAHPRA-approved production facilities.
health threats such as the current COVID-19 pandemic .
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Additionally, Cipla will continue to engage with
cARinG FOR LiFE the South African Health Products Regulatory
CEO of Cipla South Africa, Paul Miller, says: “As part of our ethos Authority (SAHPRA) to explore avenues of
of Caring for Life, Cipla always aims to ensure that everyone has accelerated access to remdesivir in the country.

Beaulieu
References: Beaulieu Kyalami Beaulieu
1. Gilead website: Voluntary Licensing Agreements for Remdesivir. Available at https://www.gilead.com/purpose/advancing-global-health/covid-19/ College Preparatory and Preparatory School
Preparatory and
voluntary-licensing-agreements-for-remdesivir
2. Cipla website: Cipla enters into a licensing agreement With Gilead to expand access to COVID-19 treatment. Available at: https://www.cipla.com/press- Nursery School Nursery School
releases-statements/cipla-enters-licensing-agreement-gilead-expand-access-covid-19-treatment Grade 8 - 12 Grade 000 - 7 Grade 000 - 7
3. Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: FDA issues Emergency Use Authorisation for Potential COVID-19 Treatment: Available at https://www.fda.gov/news-
events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-issues-emergency-use-authorization-potential-covid-19-treatment
4. Reuters. Singapore approves remdesivir drug for emergency COVID-19 treatment. Available at: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus- A community of schools developing global achievers
singapore-remdesiv/singapore-approves-remdesivir-drug-for-emergency-covid-19-treatment-idUSKBN23H17F

5. European Medicines Agency: First COVID-19 treatment recommended for EU authorisation. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/first-
covid-19-treatment-recommended-eu-authorisation admissions@kyalamishools.org | 010 591 5004 Follow us @KyalamiSchoolsGroup
16 Waterfall Issue 8 2020

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