Pfizer asks FDA for emergency use authorization on its experimental COVID-19 antiviral pill

On Tuesday, Nov. 16, Pfizer announced  that it is seeking emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its experimental antiviral COVID-19 pill.

The COVID-19 pill, known as PF-07321332 or Paxlovid, has already showcased its effects. 

In the beginning of November, Pfizer announced results from its trial saying that an interim analysis, done before the trial was scheduled to end, showed an 89% reduction in the risk of hospitalization or death from COVID-19 among people given the drug within the first three days of symptom onset.

Chairman and CEO of Pfizer Albert Bourla said the pill has the potential to save countless lives. 

"With more than 5 million deaths and countless lives impacted by this devastating disease globally, there is an urgent need for life-saving treatment options," Bourla said in a statement. "The overwhelming efficacy achieved in our recent clinical study of Paxlovid, and its potential to help save lives and keep people out of the hospital if authorized, underscores the critical role that oral antiviral therapies could play in the battle against COVID-19."

The company said it is investing up to approximately $1 billion into the manufacturing and distribution of the treatment and also has rolling submissions for the pill in other countries including the UK, Australia, New Zealand and South Korea.

According to Pfizer, the pill is to be administered in combination with Ritonavir, an older antiviral drug.