Categories: CoronavirusNews

Pfizer begins study of oral drug for prevention of COVID-19

Pfizer Inc said on Monday it has started a large study testing its investigational oral antiviral drug for the prevention of COVID-19 infection among those who have been exposed to the virus.

The drugmaker and its rivals, including U.S.-based Merck & Co Inc and Swiss pharmaceutical Roche Holding AG, have been racing to develop an easy-to-administer antiviral pill for COVID-19.

The mid-to-late-stage study will test Pfizer’s drug, PF-07321332, in up to 2,660 healthy adult participants aged 18 and older who live in the same household as an individual with a confirmed symptomatic COVID-19 infection.

In the trial, PF-07321332, designed to block the activity of a key enzyme needed for the coronavirus to multiply, will be administered along with a low dose of ritonavir, an older medication widely used in combination treatments for HIV infection.

To date, Gilead Sciences Inc’s intravenous drug remdesivir is the only approved antiviral treatment for COVID-19 in the United States.

Pfizer has also started another study of PF-07321332 in non-hospitalized, symptomatic adult patients.

Merck and partner Ridgeback Biotherapeutics recently launched a late-stage trial of their experimental drug molnupiravir for prevention of the COVID-19 infection.

Molnupiravir is also being studied in a late-stage trial in non-hospitalized patients to see if it reduces the risk of hospitalization or death.

Reuters

Reuters

Recent Posts

Sixers eliminated after dropping Game 6 to the Knicks

Facing elimination, the Philadelphia 76ers took to their home court after a thrilling stand in…

9 hours ago

Revised Bus Revolution plan set to go for SEPTA board approval this month

The Bus Revolution plan has been finalized, and SEPTA’s board, which previously put off a…

16 hours ago

76ers vs Knicks: Betting preview, predictions & TV Schedule

The Philadelphia 76ers are back home in Philly to take on the New York Knicks…

18 hours ago

Keep New York out of Philly: 76ers owners buy 2,000 tickets for Thursday’s game

The Philadelphia 76ers off-court strategy heading into Game 6 of their NBA playoff series is…

19 hours ago

Lightning in a Bottle: Will Shipley Ready to Contribute for Eagles

The one highlight the Philadelphia Eagles chose to broadcast of Will Shipley after they drafted…

19 hours ago

How “the Philadelphia way” has turned the Eagles into a premier franchise

The Philadelphia Eagles haven’t always been a premier franchise in the NFL. After years of…

21 hours ago

This website uses cookies.