Pfizer releases data on oral COVID-19 antiviral treatment candidate, says pill reduces risk of hospitalization or death by 89%

Pfizer today unveiled the first phase 2/3 clinical trial data on its oral COVID-19 antiviral treatment, declaring its candidate to be highly effective in reducing the risk of hospitalization or death from severe COVID-19. Pfizer said the drug, Paxlovid, when administered within five days of the appearance of COVID-19 symptoms, yielded an 89% reduction in deaths or hospitalizations through 28 days. Pfizer said it will submit the data to the Food and Drug Administration in support of its rolling submission for an emergency use authorization.