Biotechnology industry, Biocon’s iconic”breakthrough drug” Itolizumab could now be used to treat moderate to severe COVID-19 patients after the approval of Drugs Controller General of India’s (DCGI). This announcement came through on Saturday. The company stated that it has refurbished Itolizumab, it is an anti-CD6 IgG1 monoclonal antibody launched in India in 2013 as ALZUMAb for treating chronic plaque psoriasis.
Biocon also stated that Itolizumab is the first novel biologic therapy in the world to be approved for treating patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 infection.
It consists of an injection containing 25mg/5mL solution and has been used in India for the treatment of Cytokine Release distress syndrome (ADRS) patients caused by the COVID-19. This drug would cost a whooping Rs 32,000 and is to be given to the patient in four vials with each priced at Rs 8,000.
