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COVID-19

Pfizer Announces Agreement with US Government to Supply COVID-19 Oral Antiviral Treatment

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Pfizer Inc, a leading pharmaceutical company, has announced an agreement with the US government to supply 10 million treatment courses of its investigational COVID-19 oral antiviral candidate, PAXLOVID. This move is part of the company's efforts to combat the ongoing pandemic, with PAXLOVID being the first oral antiviral of its kind specifically designed to target SARS-CoV-2. The treatment, which is based on the 3CL protease inhibitor, has shown promising results in preclinical studies and is currently undergoing regulatory review by the US FDA. Under the terms of the agreement, the US government will acquire the treatment courses from Pfizer, with the company set to receive $5.29 billion pending regulatory authorization.

Key Takeaways:

  • Pfizer has announced an agreement with the US government to supply 10 million treatment courses of its investigational COVID-19 oral antiviral candidate, PAXLOVID.
  • PAXLOVID is the first oral antiviral of its kind, specifically designed to combat SARS-CoV-2 by inhibiting the 3CL protease.
  • The treatment has shown promising results in preclinical studies and is currently undergoing regulatory review by the US FDA.
  • The agreement is subject to regulatory authorization from the US FDA, with Pfizer set to receive $5.29 billion pending approval.
  • Pricing for PAXLOVID is based on the principles of advance commitment, volume, equity, and affordability.
  • Pfizer has also entered into advance purchase agreements with several other countries and has initiated bilateral outreach to approximately 100 countries around the world.
  • PF-07321332, the active ingredient in PAXLOVID, is designed to block the activity of the SARS-CoV-2-3CL protease at a stage known as proteolysis, which is necessary for viral replication.
  • Co-administration with a low dose of ritonavir helps slow the metabolism of PF-07321332, allowing it to remain active in the body for longer periods of time.
  • PAXLOVID will be administered at a dose of 300 mg (two 150mg tablets) of PF-07321332 with one 100mg tablet of ritonavir, given twice-daily for five days.

Statistics:

  • 10 million treatment courses of PAXLOVID will be supplied to the US government.
  • Pricing for PAXLOVID is reflective of the high committed volume of treatment courses being purchased through 2022.
  • The US government will pay Pfizer $5.29 billion pending regulatory authorization.
  • Pfizer has entered into advance purchase agreements with several other countries.
  • The company has initiated bilateral outreach to approximately 100 countries around the world.

Sources:

  • Pfizer, website: http://www.pfizer.com/, Copyright Pfizer Inc 2021.

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