Pfizer oral Covid pill gets US authorisation for at-home use
23.12.2021
Pfizer said on Wednesday the US FDA authorised its antiviral Covid-19 pill, making it the first at-home treatment for the coronavirus that is expected to become an important tool in the fight against the fast spreading Omicron variant. Data from Pfizer's clinical trial showed its antiviral regimen was 90% effective in preventing hospitalizations and deaths in patients at high risk of severe illness. Recent lab data suggests the drug retains its effectiveness against Omicron.
The agency said it authorized the oral drug for emergency use for the treatment of mild-tomoderate disease in adults and pediatric patients of 12 years of age and older weighing at least 40kg, who are at high risk for progression to severe Covid-19. “This authorisation provides a new tool to combat Covid at a crucial time in the pandemic,” Patrizia Cavazzoni, director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said.
The Pfizer pills, taken with the older antiviral drug ritonavir, will be sold under the brand name Paxlovid. The pills are meant to be taken every 12 hours for five days beginning shortly after the onset of symptoms. The drug is available by prescription only. The US government’s contract for 10 million courses of the Pfizer drug is priced at $530 per course. REUTERS
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