Hyderabad-based Saptagir Laboratories on September 14 announced that it has signed an exclusive agreement with Jubilant Generics to manufacture intermediates and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient for intravenous administered drug 'Remdesivir' used in COVID-19 treatment.

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The drug will be produced at its Hyderabad WHO-GMP certified sterile drug product manufacturing plant acquired at an investment of Rs 75 crore. API and intermediates innovator Saptagir is a part of the Rs 900 crore Saptagir Group while Jubilant Generics is a Jubilant Life Sciences company.

"We are honoured to partner with Jubilant Generics and make available this life saving therapy to patients across countries and is a significant step towards saving millions of lives affected by the pandemic," said Shilpa Reddy, Promoter and Managing Director, Saptagir Laboratories. "This partnership is timely and in line with our strategic growth plans for the company. Our foray into bulk drug manufacturing will open new revenue streams, backed by our extensive global customer base spanning 50+ countries with an array of products targeted at the fast-growing health and wellness segment," Shilpa Reddy added.

Fresh investments in the WHO-GMP certified pharma plant gives Saptagir a strong entry into an adjacent pharma vertical. The strategy is to accomplish USFDA certification for the plant and develop strong partnerships with a target to achieve 500 KL capacity in the coming few years.