Pfizer has reached a multi-year agreement with Gilead Sciences to produce and supply the latter’s potential antiviral remdesivir for the treatment of Covid-19.
Under the terms of the agreement, Pfizer is expected to provide manufacturing services from its McPherson, Kansas facility to manufacture and supply Gilead’s remdesivir.
Remdesivir is an antiviral drug developed by Gilead, for treating hospitalised patients with severe Covid-19 disease. The company has studied the safety and efficacy of remdesivir in adults diagnosed with Covid-19, in two Phase 3 Studies, started in late February 2020.
Pfizer chairman and chief executive officer Albert Bourla said: “From the beginning, it was clear that no one company or innovation would be able to bring an end to the Covid-19 crisis. Pfizer’s agreement with Gilead is an excellent example of members of the innovation ecosystem working together to deliver medical solutions.
“Together, we are more powerful than alone. As one of the largest manufacturers of vaccines, biologics and sterile injectables, it is a privilege to offer our expertise and infrastructure to help fight this pandemic.”
The safety and efficacy of remdesivir was evaluated in two Phase 3 Studies
In May 2020, FDA has granted emergency use authorisation (EUA) for remdesivir to treat the patients with Covid-19. The authorisation recommended both five-day and 10-day treatment durations based on the severity of the disease.
Following the FDA authorisation, Gilead has secured the European Commission (EC) conditional marketing authorisation, and Japanese regulatory approval for its investigational antiviral against Covid-19.
The company said that it is working with government agencies, non-governmental organisations and local regulatory authorities to provide remdesivir for emergency treatment of qualified Covid-19 patients on a compassionate use basis.
Furthermore, Pfizer said that it has formulated a five-point plan in March 2020, which urged industry partners, including large pharmaceutical companies, small biotech companies, government agencies, academic institutions to work together in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
