A recent Interesting Engineering article discussed a new pill from Pfizer that’s intended to treat COVID-19. A press release from the company says the oral medication can reduce a patient’s risk of hospitalization or death by a whopping 89% when taken within the first five days of symptoms. The pill, called Paxlovid, is similar to one from Merck that received U.K. approval last week. Now, Pfizer is seeking emergency use authorization for its oral antiviral candidate with data claiming it “has the potential to save patients’ lives, reduce the severity of COVID-19 infections, and eliminate up to nine out of ten hospitalizations.”
Both Pfizer’s and Merck’s pills medicines work by disrupting the coronavirus’ ability to self-replicate. Pfizer also pointed out that when paired with another drug, ritonavir, Paxlovid is more effective. Ritonavir assists by helping protease inhibitors, such as the new COVID-19 pill, to remain in the body longer for a better chance at beating the virus. The best part is that the pill can be administered in the comfort and privacy of your home. Pfizer is planning a tiered pricing approach in different countries for equitable access across the globe.