Also read: Most firms think it is too early to gauge the impact of coronavirus
In January, the company donated Kaletra to healthcare regulators in China to evaluate it as an experimental treatment option. After the initial tests, the response from China was positive. However, their claims have not been verified yet, due to lack of access to data.
Under the partnership, AbbVie will also provide assistance to ongoing researches on the lopinavir/ritonavir combination. The studies will focus on testing the efficacy of the drug in people suffering from Covid-19. Meanwhile, arrangements are in place to ensure uninterrupted supplies for HIV patients depending on Kaletra.
AbbVie has supplied the drug to several countries impacted by the coronavirus crisis, as a potential therapy for Covid-19. It is already working with other drug-developers and institutions to develop medicines against coronavirus.
Last month, a statement from the company said it is working with the WHO and regulators in other parts of the world to address the epidemic issue.
Get access to timely and accurate verbatim transcripts that are published within hours o