Move over Remdesivir the drug spotlight has moved to black fungus treatment drug Amphotericin B as raging demand has created severe shortages across markets.
With over 2000 cases of mucormycosis in Maharashtra demand for the drugs is soaring to treat the fungal infection. The number of doses per day ranging from 4-6 depending on the weight of the patient and for some the treatment could last for 21 days.
Amphotericin B which costs close Rs 7000/dose is largely manufactured by Mylan Labs with a few domestic firms Abbot India, Bharat Serum.
Genetek Lifesciences of Wardha, which also started to produce Remdesivir has received FDA approval to make Amphotericin B injection during the COVID-19 period, a statement issued by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari's office said. Its production will begin in the next 15 days at its Wardha plant.
Genetek hopes to bring the price down for Amphotericin B injection by 75% to Rs 1500/dose.