Aspen shares spike on news of coronavirus drug breakthrough

DURBAN – Aspen Pharmacare on Wednesday said it was watching developments surrounding the potential coronavirus drug with keen interest, as it had it at affordable rates.

Aspen said it could produce dexamethasone at cost – making the steroid affordable immediately to save critically ill Covid-19 patients. 

Aspen’s executive for strategic trade development, Stavros Nicolaou, said the tacit endorsement of the drug by the World Health Organization (WHO) was encouraging for the company and the continent.  

Nicolaou said the drug was easily available over the counter in South Africa.

“Dexamethasone is available in multiple markets, including South Africa, and is manufactured by a third party locally in Port Elizabeth,” Nicolaou added.