ICMR to fast-track WHO solidarity trials in India

Recently, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) declared that likely anti-viral agents including Remdesivir, Chloroquine/Hydroxychloroquine and Lopinavir-Ritonavir with Interferon (ß1a) would be assessed as a part of the solidarity trial introduced by World Health Organization (WHO).

As part of the World Health Organization solidarity trial, test would be fast tracked to find a possible cure for the disease. Apart from Remdesivir, rest are generic drugs and manufactured by Indian medical firms. Remdesivir is the new drug introduced by the US drug maker Gilead. The company would voluntarily issue a license to three Indian companies to manufacture this drug. The Solidarity trial was launched with an objective to discover which drug can reduce the disease progression or enhances survival of Covid-19 patients.
The fusion of Lopinavir-Ritonavir is used as a medication to treat HIV, Choloroquine/Hydroxycholoroquine are anti-malarial drugs however Interferon (ß1a) is used to treat multiple sclerosis.

This trial program is expected to accelerate the process to develop the vaccine. Indian researchers and institutions are participating in the international initiative to come up with effective treatment options for the patients. Recently, Dr Henk Bekedam, WHO Representative to India, said that the country is playing a crucial role in both research and manufacturing after the trials are done effectively.

India has also announced to recruit around 1500 patients in about 30 hospitals across the Nation for the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) global solidarity trial for medication of Covid-19. On March 28, ICMR declared to be a part of WHO Solidarity trial. More than 100 countries requested the participation to find effective solution through trial. Additionally, WHO also invited various firms to associate for ensuring affordability and availability of the vaccines once it is developed.