Benzinga | Jan 4, 2022 01:20PM EST

Reddy's To Launch Generic Version Of Merck's COVID-19 Drug At $0.50/Pill: Reuters

India-based Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd (NYSE:RDY) will launch its generic version of Merck Co & Inc's (NYSE:MRK) COVID-19 antiviral pill, reported Reuters.

* A company spokesperson said Reddy's would launch the molnupiravir generic at 35 ($0.4693) per capsule.

* The overall cost for a patient treated with a 5-day course of 40 capsules of the generic drug, sold under the name 'Molflu', will come up to 1,400 ($18.77). In the U.S., the treatment with Merck's pill costs $700.

* "Molflu is expected to be available from early next week in pharmacies throughout (India) with particular focus on states with a high caseload of COVID-19," the company spokesperson said.

* India last week gave emergency use approval to molnupiravir along with two vaccines.

* A total of 13 companies in India will make molnupiravir, the country's health minister said last week.

* Price Action: RDY shares are down 1.01% at $64.59, MRK shares are down 0.23% at $76.69 during the market session on the last check Tuesday.

* Image by Arek Socha from Pixabay