Gilead Sciences' remdesivir to be distributed in 127 countries

Gilead Sciences Inc (NASDAQ:GILD) announced late on Wednesday non-exclusive voluntary licensing agreements with five generic pharmaceutical manufacturers for the supply of remdesivir. The drug has so far only been approved as a temporary emergency treatment for Covid-19. READ: Gilead Sciences' remdesivir receives US emergency approval for coronavirus treatment Cipla, Ferozsons Laboratories, Hetero Labs, Jubilant Lifesciences and Mylan will produce remdesivir to distribute in 127 countries, excluding the US. Gilead said these countries consist of “nearly all low-income and lower-middle income countries, as well as several upper-middle- and high-income countries that face significant obstacles to healthcare access”. The licensees have right to receive a technology transfer of the Gilead manufacturing process to scale up production more quickly and will set their own prices. Gilead agreed with the US government for distribution within the countries and plans to reach 1mln treatment courses by December. Shares dipped 1% to US$76.02 in premarket trading.