Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD, NYSE: MRK)’s China unit has issued a WeChat notification vowing to take necessary legal actions against certain unnamed drug companies accused of market infringement related to molnupiravir, the oral COVID-19 therapy. The notice states that some manufacturers are falsely claiming authorization from MSD to distribute the drug in certain provinces and cities, thereby harming legitimate business interests and infringing on the domestic drug market.
Quality and Safety Concerns
According to MSD, drugs outside the official channel that are not approved by the regulatory body lack guarantees in terms of manufacturing quality and efficacy, posing a threat to patient safety. The company emphasized that the generic name of the drug is molnupiravir, and the only trade name approved in China is “Li Rui Zhuo.” The drug, co-developed by US firm Ridgeback Therapeutics, received emergency conditional approval in China in December of last year. MSD is actively stocking the drug to meet supply demand, with packaging that includes government-approved tracking numbers.
Distribution and Licensing
Sinopharm is the only company authorized to act as the importer and distributor for molnupiravir in China. Notably, MSD has been in discussions with Sinopharm regarding the licensing of manufacturing rights for molnupiravir. This underscores MSD’s commitment to ensuring the drug’s availability and quality while protecting its intellectual property and market integrity.
Future Outlook
MSD’s stance on protecting its rights and ensuring patient safety highlights the company’s dedication to maintaining high standards in drug distribution and quality control. By taking legal action against unauthorized sales, MSD aims to safeguard the legitimate interests of both enterprises and patients, reinforcing its position as a leader in the pharmaceutical industry.-Fineline Info & Tech
