HYDERABAD: Contrary to promises that the indigenously developed Covid-19 drug 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) would be priced affordably to ensure it reaches as many patients as possible, the wonder drug has been priced at a steep Rs 990 per sachet.
The drug was developed by scientists at the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), a DRDO lab, and is being commercialised by pharma major Dr Reddy’s Laboratories.
What makes the pricing a surprise is that Dr Reddy’s had last month issued a statement saying that the pricing of the drug was “being determined with a view to making it accessible and affordable to as many patients as possible”.
The price was announced by a top Dr Reddy’s executive on Tuesday.
Deepak Sapra, CEO, API & Services, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, said: “The goal at Dr Reddy’s is to maximise production and make it accessible as much as possible to patients all over the country in as short a time frame as possible.”
Contrary to vow, DRDO drug has steep price tag of Rs 990 a sachet
