Molnupiravir India Licenses: Nuances, Local Data In Focus

MSD-India Region chief outlines further specifics around the just-announced voluntary licensing deal for molnupiravir with Indian firms, noting an expectation to discuss local data needs with the country’s regulator. All eyes are also on whether non-licensee Natco will stay the course for its application for the investigational antiviral.

A day after the Indian firm Natco Pharma Limited sprung a surprise by outlining its plans for Merck & Co., Inc.'s investigational COVID-19 therapy molnupiravir, the US firm struck back, announcing non-exclusive voluntary licensing agreements for the oral antiviral agent with five other Indian generics companies.

MSD, as Merck & Co, is known outside the US and Canada, sealed deals with Cipla Limited, Dr....