Pfizer releases more positive data for COVID-19 oral antiviral

Pfizer today announced additional phase 2/3 clinical trial data for its COVID-19 oral antiviral treatment, indicating the pill’s high degree of effectiveness in reducing high-risk patients’ risks of hospitalization or death from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Pfizer said that, among high-risk patients, the antiviral reduced risk of hospitalization or death by 89% when taken within three days of symptoms’ onset, with a similar effectiveness — 88% — when administered within five days of symptoms. Interim results from an ongoing study of standard-risk adults indicate a 70% reduction in hospitalizations, with zero deaths. Pfizer also released in vitro data indicating that the drug would maintain its effectiveness against omicron and future SARS-CoV-2 variants.