Pfizer Feels Confident In its COVID 19 Pill

Pfizer said on Friday that the tablets used to treat Covid 19 were very effective in preventing serious illness in people at risk. This drug appears to be more effective than a similar product from Merck, which is awaiting government approval. Pfizer pills, sold under the Paxlovid brand, reduce the risk of hospitalization or death by 89% if given within 3 days of the onset of symptoms. Pfizer said an independent expert committee overseeing clinical trials recommended terminating the trial  early because the benefits of the drug to patients were shown to be so convincing. The company said it plans to submit the data  to the Food and Drug Administration as soon as possible to apply for  pill approval in the United States.

By introducing a new class of easy-to-use tablets that significantly reduce hospital stays, we can overcome the worst pandemics, at least in wealthy countries where most adults are vaccinated. Pfizer and Merck  pharmacies and home pharmacies are expected to reach far more people than monoclonal antibody therapies usually given by intravenous infusion in the clinic. Pfizer treatment may be initially limited in supply, but may be available in the coming months. Both Pfizer and Merck tablets are intended for patients who are considered at high risk. For example, it is intended for patients over the age of 60 and those who are prone to serious Covid consequences, such as obese individuals.

According to government officials, the US is negotiating with Pfizer to order  enough pills for 1.7 million cases. This is the same amount the United States ordered from Merck. The government expects to pay about $ 700 for each treatment cycle. Pfizer said it plans to offer the drug to poorer countries  at a discounted price. The company has been in talks with the United Nations-backed nonprofit drug patent pool to promote the sale of pills in these areas. Merck has already reached a similar agreement.