Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd. said Tuesday that it has launched the first generic version of molnupiravir, an oral product developed to treat symptomatic Covid-19, in Bangladesh.

The AIM-listed pharmaceutical company said its generic version of molnupiravir--approved by the U.K.'s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency on Nov. 4--will be marketed in Bangladesh as Emorivir, following emergency-use authorization by a Bangladeshi regulatory authority.

Molnupiravir, an oral product to treat symptomatic coronavirus, is currently under review by several other agencies, including the European Medicines Agency and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The was drug developed by Merck & Co. with partner Ridgeback Biotherapeutics LP.

On Oct. 27, Merck said it will license the drug to a United Nations-backed non-profit, working with multiple drugmakers to produce molnupiravir for 105 nations, including Pakistan, Cambodia and all of Africa, The Wall Street Journal reported.

The drug, which can be taken at-home and therefore reduces the need to visit medical facilities, may cut the risk of hospitalization and death by half, the company said.

Beximco said the generic version will help broaden access and reduce costs, significantly benefiting unvaccinated or immuno-suppressed patients.

The drug has scope for future exports, but given the uncertain nature of pandemic, the launch is currently unlikely to significantly affect full-year revenue, the company said.

Shares closed Tuesday up 5.0 pence, or 5.0%, at 106.0 pence.