Pfizer signs deal with Gilead to manufacture COVID-19 treatment

Pharma News: Pfizer announces a multi-year agreement with Gilead Sciences to manufacture and supply Gilead’s investigational antiviral remdesivir, as one of multiple external manufacturing organisations supporting efforts to scale up supply of the investigational treatment for COVID-19.

In June 2020, The National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce made a conditional recommendation for use of Gilead’s remdesivir to treat COVID-19 in Australia. The antiviral drug is the first medication to be recommended as a considered treatment for hospitalised patients with the condition.

Under the terms of the agreement, Pfizer will provide contract manufacturing services at Pfizer’s McPherson, Kansas facility to manufacture and supply remdesivir for Gilead globally.

In March, Pfizer launched a five-point plan, which called on all members of the innovation ecosystem – from large pharmaceutical companies to the smallest of biotech companies, from government agencies to academic institutions – to commit to work together in addressing the dire COVID-19 crisis.

“From the beginning it was clear that no one company or innovation would be able to bring an end to the COVID-19 crisis. Pfizer’s agreement with Gilead is an excellent example of members of the innovation ecosystem working together to deliver medical solutions,” said Albert Bourla, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

“Together, we are more powerful than alone. As one of the largest manufacturers of vaccines, biologics and sterile injectables, it is a privilege to offer our expertise and infrastructure to help fight this pandemic. In that spirit, we are pleased that Gilead is using our manufacturing capacity to help facilitate supply of this medicine to patients as quickly as possible.”