MUMBAI:
Swiss major Novartis
has sought regulatory approval in India to initiate Phase III clinical trials for its
drug Ruxolitinib
for Covid-19. These trials will be part of a global study that the company started in May to evaluate the use of Ruxolitinib (sold as Jakavi) for treatment of a severe immune overreaction —
cytokine storm
— that can lead to life-threatening respiratory complications in patients with
Covid-19
, a
Novartis
official confirmed to TOI.
At present, Ruxolitinib is used for the treatment of
Myelofibrosis
and
Polycythemia
, a type of blood cancer. The maximum retail price of Jakavi 5mg (14 tablet pack) is Rs 30,084. The trials will be on moderately-ill Covid-19 patients who require hospitalisation but not ICU admission. It will be given for 14 days at a dose of 5 mg, twice a day.
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A business journalist with around two decades of experience track...
Read MoreA business journalist with around two decades of experience tracking key consumer-focussed sectors like consumer durables, retail, consumer goods, aviation, automobiles and advertising, as well as economic ministries of the Union government. Now, writes primarily on pharmaceuticals and healthcare, and on issues of consumer interest. Besides also looks at trends that are shaping consumer behaviour and the broad consumer landscape. \nYou can follow Rupali on Twitter@Rupalijee.
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