Pfizer shares efficacy of COVID pill: near 90% protection against hospitalisation
pharmafile | December 15, 2021 | News story | Research and Development |
Pfizer have announced that a final analysis of the antiviral pill Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir tablets and ritonavir tablets) shows 89% reduction of hospitalisation and death among COVID-19 patients, when taken within three to five days of the start of symptoms. Preliminary lab studies also suggest the pill will be effective against the Omicron variant.
The Pfizer pills are taken with the antiviral ritonavir every 12 hours for five days beginning shortly after the onset of symptoms. If authorised, the treatment will be sold as Paxlovid. If taken within five days of symptom onset, the treatment cuts hospitalisation and death by 88%. Final data available from all high-risk patients enrolled in EPIC-HR study confirmed prior results of interim analysis revealing the efficacy of the pills. Separate interim analysis of an ongoing second study in standard-risk adults showed a 70% reduction in hospitalisation, and no deaths, in the treated population, compared to a placebo.
“This news provides further corroboration that our oral antiviral candidate, if authorised or approved, could have a meaningful impact on the lives of many, as the data further support the efficacy of PAXLOVID in reducing hospitalisation and death and show a substantial decrease in viral load. This underscores the treatment candidate’s potential to save the lives of patients around the world,” said Albert Bourla, Chairman and CEO of Pfizer. “Emerging variants of concern, like Omicron, have exacerbated the need for accessible treatment options for those who contract the virus, and we are confident that, if authorised or approved, this potential treatment could be a critical tool to help quell the pandemic.”
Recent in vitro data confirm that nirmatrelvir is a potent inhibitor of the Omicron 3CL protease.
Ana Ovey
