Source: Health Policy Institute of Ohio
Pfizer Inc., said on November 6, that its experimental antiviral pill for COVID-19 cut rates of hospitalization and death by nearly 90% in high-risk adults, as the drug maker joined the race for an easy-to-use medication to treat the coronavirus (Source: “Pfizer says COVID-19 Pill Cut Hospital, Death Risk by 90%,”Associated Press, November 5, 2021).
Currently, most COVID-19 treatments require an IV or injection. Competitor Merck’s COVID-19 pill is already under review at the Food and Drug Administration after showing strong initial results, and on November 5 the United Kingdom became the first country to OK it.
Pfizer said it will ask the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and international regulators to authorize its pill as soon as possible, after independent experts recommended halting the company’s study based on the strength of its results. Once Pfizer applies, the FDA could make a decision within weeks or months.