Pfizer begins to study and test its oral drug for COVID-19 prevention

Pfizer begins its mid-to-late stage study and testing of its oral drug for the prevention of COVID-19.

Global pharmaceutical giants, Pfizer Inc., have stated the mid-to-late stage study and testing of its investigative oral antiviral drug to prevent Covid-19.

In a statement released by Pfizer, the current phase 2/3 trial is part of a global clinical research program. Pfizer will be enrolling individuals who are 18 years of age and above and living in the same house as an individual with a confirmed symptomatic COVID-19 infection. Phase 2/3 trial randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study and will enroll up to 2,660 healthy adults.

The drug used in the research and testing is named PF-07321332. The trial would test the efficacy of the drug PF-07321332 with a low dose of ritonavir, an older drug widely used in the treatment of HIV infection. According to the company, the Phase 1 clinical trial results demonstrated that PF-07321332 was safe and well-tolerated.

Pfizer and its rivals, including Swiss pharmaceutical Roche Holding AG and U.S.-based Merck & Co Inc., have been racing to develop the first antiviral pill for the prevention of COVID-19 among people who had previously contracted the virus.