Mumbai-based VAV Life Sciences is ramping up the production of crucial lipid ingredients needed for manufacturing Liposomal Amphotericin B, the drug used for treating mucormycosis (Black Fungus infections). Due to the surge in cases of mucormycosis, India is presently facing an acute shortage of these raw materials, leading to hindrances in the production of the Amphotericin B class of drugs.

VAV Life Sciences has taken immediate steps to increase the production of the crucial lipids threefold within the next three months. The company plans to expand its present capacity of 21 kg per month to 65 kg per month, by August 2021. This would help pharma companies produce about 3 lakh vials of Liposomal Amphotericin B.

VAV will also further increase its capacity to 130 kg per month by December, which would add approximately 6 lakh vials of the medication to the pharmaceutical supply chain, by the end of 2021. VAV will manufacture the lipid ingredients at its EU cGMP certified facility under its subsidiary company, VAV Lipids, based at Ratnagiri in Maharashtra.

Arun Kedia, MD, VAV Life Sciences said, “The unprecedented demand of Liposomal Amphotericin B has put tremendous pressure on the supply chain for raw materials. Since our company plays such a crucial role in the supply chain, we are working round the clock to keep up with the demand from pharma companies for these crucial ingredients that will help them manufacture this medication in sufficient quantities.”