SHTDF - Merck mulls legal action against unsanctioned distributors of its COVID drug in China
- Merck ( NYSE: MRK ) said it will take legal action against certain pharma companies after it found that some firms were supplying COVID-19 medicine to certain Chinese provinces and cities stating that the therapies were authorized by Merck, Reuters reported .
- Merck, however, did not disclose the name of the companies, in a post on its official WeChat account in China, according to the report.
- The Kenilworth, N.J.-based pharma giant noted that Sinopharm ( OTCPK:SHTDY ) ( OTCPK:SHTDF ) was the only legally authorized distributor of Merck's COVID drug molnupiravir in China.
- Antiviral molnupiravir was developed by Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics. In January, 2022, 27 generic manufacturers globally were allowed to produce generic versions of molnupiravir under an agreement with the UN's Medicines Patent Pool.
- Merck noted that it was in discussions with Sinopharm on the medicine's production technology license so that Sinopharm can supply the therapy in China. In September 2022, Merck said that China National Biotec, an affiliate of Sinopharm, will manufacture the medicine, the report added.
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Merck mulls legal action against unsanctioned distributors of its COVID drug in China