Eskayef (Sk-F), Bangladesh produces world’s first generic “Remdesivir” for Covid-19 treatment
Adnan Mahfuz Tazvir (class VIII – English version,
Motijheel Ideal school and college, Dhaka)
The world is now infected with the COVID-19 coronavirus. The virus has already been declared as a global epidemic.
At a time when the world is in turmoil, Eskayef (Sk-F), Bangladesh is the world’s first pharmaceutical company to produce generic (original or generic) remedies. And the trade name of “Remedicivir” produced by SKF is “Remivir 100” with the patent of Gilead Sciences Inc.
Every country is working hard to develop coronavirus drugs and vaccines. But US company Gilead Sciences Inc. invented this drug and created a sensation all over the world.
“Remdesivir” was proved most effective in the treatment of Covid-19. Gilead carried out several experiments on Covid-19 affected patients which indicated improvements in the conditions of the patients.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved “Remedicivir” as a drug to use against COVID 19 coronavirus.
However, due to the encouraging results of the preliminary tests of “Remedicivir” various countries have already started preparing. But Bangladesh is the world’s first country who started the production of “Remedicivir” to prevent COVID 19 coronavirus.
The production and distribution have already started on a commercial basis by Eskayef (Sk-F) Pharmaceuticals Limited, a well-known pharmaceutical company of Bangladesh.
Simin Hossain, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SKF, said, “We have already started the “Remedicivir”, which is the only effective drug for COVID 19.”
Earlier, Bangladesh’s Directorate General of Drug Administration permitted to six Bangladeshi pharmaceutical companies – Eskayef (SK-F), Beacon, Beximco, Incepta, Square and Healthcare – to produce the potential Covid-19 drug “Remdesivir”.
Though Gilead has the patent for the production of “Remedicivir”, But, as Bangladesh is a lesser developed country, according to the UN International Trade Laws, are not restricted by the patent.
The Japanese Drug Administration has also permitted COVID 19 patients since May 7, 2020.
SKF said that as per the rules, the samples of Remedicivir will be submitted to the National Control Laboratory under the Department of Drug Administration and SKF will start distributing the drug within a few days after obtaining clearance and marketing permission.
