Health: Pfizer says its antiviral pill slashes risk of severe Covid-19 by 89% – Gulf Digital News

Health: Pfizer says its antiviral pill slashes risk of severe Covid-19 by 89% – Gulf Digital News

Pfizer Inc's experimental antiviral pill to treat Covid-19 was shown to cut by 89% the chances of hospitalisation or death for adults at risk of developing severe disease, the company said on Friday, offering what could be a promising new weapon in the fight against the pandemic.

The trial's results suggest that the oral drug surpasses Merck & Co Inc's pill, molnupiravir, which was shown last month to halve the risk of dying or being hospitalised for Covid-19 patients at high risk of serious illness.

Pfizer's pill, with the brand name Paxlovid, could secure U.S. regulatory approval by the end of the year. The Pfizer trial was stopped early due to its high success rate. Full trial data is not yet available from either company.