Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) permission by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has been issued for the launch of Merck and Ridgeback's Molnupiravir in the country.

DCGI, based on the review of clinical data of Molnupiravir, has approved the drug for the treatment of COVID-19 in adults for restricted emergency use in India.

Cipla plans to launch Molnupiravir under the brand name Cipmolnu, while Torrent Pharma is introducing it under the brand name Molnutor, following DCGI's approval.

Cipla will soon make Cipmolnu 200mg capsules available at all leading pharmacies and COVID-19 treatment centers across the country.

Further, Sun Pharma will be manufacturing and marketing the drug under the brand name Molxvir.

Earlier in the year, Cipla, Torrent Pharma, Sun Pharma had entered into a non-exclusive voluntary licensing agreement with Merck Sharpe Dohme (MSD) to manufacture and supply Molnupiravir in India and to over 100 low and middle-income countries (LMICs).