The WHO’s “Solidarity” trial investigators have decided to interrupt the trials with immediate effect since the clinical trial found that hydroxychloroquine and lopinavir/ritonavir “produced little or no reduction in the mortality of the hospitalized COVID-19 patients.”

Zydus Cadila hopes to launch its version of Gilead’s remdesivir by end-July in India, even as earlier licensees Hetero Drugs and Cipla have just commercialized the antiviral. Plans for pegylated interferon alfa-2b to treat COVID-19 include a trial in Mexico and an IND in the US. Separately, desidustat is being considered for additional indications.

Gilead licensees Hetero and Cipla introduce remdesivir, the antiviral seen as a potential treatment for COVID-19, in India. Pricing plans will be closely watched and supplies in the country are expected to stabilize soon, possibly turning to a surplus situation in several months.