Coronavirus | Russia to fly in assistance including oxygen generators, concentrators

Remdesivir export, however, runs into U.S. patent trouble

Russia is planning to fly special planes with a wide range of COVID-related assistance including oxygen generators and concentrators as well as drugs needed for the treatment of the coronavirus that is ravaging many parts of India, but may have to hold off sending the drug Remdesivir owing to U.S. patent violations. According to sources aware of the discussions between Delhi and Moscow, the grant-based assistance could begin to arrive this week, possibly in the next few days, and will include oxygen generating equipment for various purposes, ranging from use in individual homes to nursing homes and hospitals, as well as pharma supplies of drugs like Favipiravir, used to treat milder versions of COVID-19. However, exports of Remdesivir, which the Russian government had earlier offered to facilitate, have run into trouble with U.S. licensing laws invoked by Remdesivir developer, California-based Gilead Sciences Inc. The sources told The Hindu that the Russian side has now conveyed that exports of the drug, for which demand has grown exponentially in the past month, may not be sent to India unless the issue is resolved.