Pfizer tests the world’s first anti COVID-19 pill

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Pfizer is launching a phase 1 trial of a new oral antiviral drug against SARS-COV-2. The drug for COVID-19 in a tablet, named PF-07321332, was developed in the US.

Candidate for an effective drug to prevent COVID-19

Pfizer, which launched the first approved COVID-19 vaccine in the US, is now conducting a clinical trial of the first oral antiviral therapy that COVID-19 patients can take when they first develop symptoms.

The oral antiviral clinical candidate PF-07321332, a SARS-CoV 2-3CL protease inhibitor, has demonstrated potent in vitro antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2, as well as activity against other coronaviruses. This makes it expected to find applications in the treatment of COVID-19, as well as in potentially combating future coronavirus threats.

According to Mikael Dolsten, PhD., Chief Scientific Officer and President, Worldwide Research, Development and Medical of Pfizer: the drug is designed as a potential oral therapy to be prescribed at the first sign of infection, it is expected to eliminate the need for hospitalisation or intensive care.

Pfizer’s first phase study of a drug

The initiation of the clinical trial is supported by preclinical studies that have demonstrated the antiviral activity of this potential drug on SARS-CoV-2. The drug is designed to inhibit SARS-CoV 2 virus replication. The first phase involves testing the drug in healthy people to evaluate the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of the drug PF-07321332. The study is randomised, double-blinded and includes placebo groups with single and multiple dose studies.

The structure of PF-07321332 along with preclinical data will be made available on 6 April, during the COVID-19 session of the Spring American Chemical Society meeting. The company is currently also investigating intravenous antiviral agent PF-07304814 for the treatment of COVID-19 in clinically hospitalised patients.