US private equity firm KKR to acquire a majority stake in JB Chemicals, accelerating the Indian group's growth plans in branded formulations. Post a 54% stake acquisition for $414m via part-purchase from the founders and an open offer at INR 745/share, the PE's final stake could go up to 64.9% if founders offer more shares

A recent military skirmish with China and a 35-40% average increase in prices of drug raw materials has seen India step up scrutiny of imports from the country. While the industry is seeking a hike in domestic formulations prices, product shortages are not expected in the short term.

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.

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.

While the jury is still out on dexamethasone being the new hero in the fight against COVID-19 after the hype around hydroxychloroquine has died down, Indian pharma is watching developments closely. Gains of companies like Zydus Cadila, Wockhardt, Cadila and Cipla in the domestic market will be constrained by price caps while any increase in exports will depend on emergency use authorizations.

While the jury is still out on dexamethasone being the new hero in the fight against COVID-19 after the hype around hydroxychloroquine has died down, Indian pharma is watching developments closely. Gains of companies like Zydus Cadila, Wockhardt, Cadila and Cipla in the domestic market will be constrained by price caps while any increase in exports will depend on emergency use authorizations