Pfizer Inc is in talks with 90 countries on supply contracts for its experimental pill for the COVID-19, which was shown to reduce the risk of hospitalization or death by 89% in patients at high risk of severe disease, said its CEO Albert Bourla.
He argued that Pfizer hopes to price its treatment, called Paxlovid, in a range close to what rival Merck & Co Inc has set for its oral antiviral drug candidate.
Merck’s US price for its molnupiriavr pill is around $ 700 for a five-day therapy. Pfizer Inc.’s experimental antiviral pill to treat COVID-19 was shown to reduce the chances of hospitalization or death for adults at risk of serious illness by 89%, offering what could be a promising new weapon in the fight against the pandemic.
The results appear to improve those seen with Merck & Co Inc’s molnupiravir pill, which was shown last month to cut the chance of dying or being hospitalized in half for COVID-19 patients who are also at high risk of illness. serious.
Pfizer’s pill, tradename Paxlovid, could gain regulatory approval in the United States by the end of the year. The Pfizer trial was stopped early due to its high success rate. Neither company has yet provided complete data for the study.
President Joe Biden said the US government has secured millions of doses of the drug from Pfizer.
“If the FDA authorizes it, we will soon be able to have pills that treat the virus in those who become infected. Therapy would be another piece in our toolbox to protect people from the worst effects of COVID, ”said Biden.
.
Ricardo is a renowned author and journalist, known for his exceptional writing on top-news stories. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he is known for his ability to deliver breaking news and insightful analysis on the most pressing issues of the day.
