AHMEDABAD: In the wake of Covid-19 pandemic, firms are rushing to manufacture hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), an anti-malarial drug used in the treatment of across the world, including India.
Permit have been issued to 68 pharmaceutical firms by The Food and Drug Control Administration (FDCA) of Gujarat to manufacture HCQ tablets in the state.
HG Koshia, commissioner of Gujarat FDCA, said, “In past one and a half months, 68 pharmaceutical companies have received product licences to make HCQ tablets of varied dosages in Gujarat. In 60 years before Covid-19 outbreak, Gujarat had only 28 companies manufacturing HCQ tablets. The number has jumped three-times in less than two months’ time. Now, state has 96 players making this drug.”
Viranchi Shah, MD of Saga Lifesciences Limited, said, “HCQ is currently the most preferred drug in Covid-19 management globally. India is a major source of HCQ supply and meets 70% of the world requirement.
