MPP allows Beximco Pharma

Beximco Pharma received a sub-license by United Nations-backed Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) to produce generic version of Pfizer's breakthrough COVID-19 drug, a combination of nirmatrelvir and ritonavir (available under the brand name PAXLOVID™), said a statement.
Nirmatrelvir is a novel main protease inhibitor that specifically blocks the activity of the enzyme needed for SARS-CoV2 viral replication. Ritonavir is a strong cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 inhibitor and pharmacokinetic boosting agent for nirmatrelvir.
PAXLOVID™,was granted Emergency Use Authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in December 2021, for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults and pediatric patients (12 years of age and older), who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death.
The sub-license is granted under a voluntary licensing agreement between Pfizer and MPP to facilitate broader global access of this antiviral combination.
Under the agreement, Beximco Pharma will manufacture this drug in Bangladesh following successful technology transfer and manufacturing regulatory approvals.