India’s Struggle Against Black Fungus, Shortage Of Amphotericin B Adds To Trouble

In less than a month, the cases of Black Fungus got multifold raising the need to procure more Liposomal Amphotericin B. The injections are found effective in the treatment of covid-19 patients with mucormycosis. However, India is gradually falling short on this life-saving drug.

America Ties With India Against Black Fungus

But, Will this solve India’s rising need?

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Considering Delhi's rising cases and lack of injections, it is difficult to answer. But what has led to the shortage of this important black fungus medicine?

🚨Important thread on the availability of Amphotericin B needed to treat Black Fungus🚨

On 20 May, Gangaram hospital at Delhi could supply Amphotericin B to only 08 MUCOR patients against 135 requisitions. Same story on 18 May as well. Most of these patients are *Very Critical* pic.twitter.com/RL1rJ157iV

— Raheel Khursheed (@Raheelk) May 20, 2021

Why Domestic Production Of Black-Fungus Drugs Is Taking Time?

Shortage Of Raw Materials

On the other hand, India is solely dependent on VAV Life Sciences for the continuous supply of lipid for making Black Fungus drug. This is a huge burden on the company as it can only produce 21 kg per month.

Considering all these limitations, India only depends on the import of Liposomal Amphotericin B to meet the current need. Even though the country will receive a million doses very soon, the demand will further increase.

Top 5 States With 65% Black Fungus Cases

The allocation has been made based on the number of patients under treatment which is 11,717 across the country.#blackfungus#AmphotericinBpic.twitter.com/j0LyR6GLjH

— Sadananda Gowda (@DVSadanandGowda) May 26, 2021

India is facing double trouble of Covid-19 and Fungal Infection. If the shortage of black fungus drugs is not met on time, the conditions can get worse.