New Delhi: Medical experts in India say that it may take up to a year and a half to develop a vaccine for the corona virus (Covid-19). Meanwhile, a good news has emerged during the treatment of patients infected with Coronavirus. There have been indications that Lopinavir and Ritonavir are used in the treatment of HIV, and are proven effective in patients with coronas. In view of this, the Narendra Modi government has directed the firms to increase the production of both medicines.
The Union Health Ministry held a long meeting with pharmaceutical companies. In this, the Committee of Experts has asked Cipla, Mylan, Aurobindo and other companies to increase the stock of anti-HIV drugs. Lopinavir and ritonavir are anti-retroviral drugs. It prevents HIV from entering healthy cells. India currently exports both these medicines to African countries.
Ministry officials said that the companies have been asked to increase production of both the medicines. However, there is no restriction on exports. Lopinavir and ritonavir combination were used to treat a couple who came to India from Italy. The couple was found infected with the corona virus in Jaipur. Dr. Balram Bhargava, DG of the Indian Council of Medical Research, said both medicines were given with the consent of the couple. Its effect was good. After 14 days they are now almost healthy.
