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Hyderabad-based specialty biopharmaceutical manufacturer, Celon Laboratories, announced the launch of an alternative drug which is an emulsion-based drug to treat the deadly mucormycosis, commonly known as black fungus in Covid-19 patients. The move according to the company is an effort to overcome the short supply of liposomal amphotericin B.
The drug is set to provide much needed respite to patients reeling under the severe impact of the second wave of Covid-19 and the resultant black fungus. Amphotericin B, is crucial to the treatment of mucormycosis, of which a sudden resurgence is being witnessed off late among Covid-19 patients, across India. Though Celon has been manufacturing liposomal amphotericin B since 2013, market demands were not met due to the unavailability of a critical ingredient sourced from Germany — lipoids. To bypass the bottleneck caused by this sourcing obstacle and increase production of this medication, the company developed an alternative, an emulsion-based formulation.
Exhaustively developed by Celon’s in-house R&D team in a record three weeks, the emulsion-based formulation will provide leading hospitals and Covid-19 treatment centers with increased resources to treat the Black Fungus. Celon will manufacture 10,000 vials per day, which will ensure relief for approximately 6,000 patients monthly.
M Nagesh Kumar, managing director, Celon Labs’ said, “We are committed to supporting the ongoing efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic during this deadly second wave and to save as many lives as possible. The emulsion-based formulation is an ideal alternative to liposomal amphotericin B to combat the black fungus. The company will start supplying the domestic market soon.”
Additionally, Hocine Sidi-Said, chairman Celon Labs expressed his gratitude to the employees for achieving this important milestone and said that the company mobilized its talents and expertise to swiftly respond to this pressing medical need.
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