PFIZER LAUNCHES COVID-19 PILL TRIAL

Pfizer on Wednesday announced that it had initiated a later-stage clinical trial for a pill that could potentially treat COVID-19.

An unmet need: If proven to be safe and effective, the drug could fill a need for a widespread, easier-to-use treatment, as opposed to an infusion like remdesivir, another treatment.

Pfizer is beginning a trial that will enroll 1,140 participants, the company said.

The drug could eventually be used in a “broad” population of patients, Pfizer said, namely people who have symptomatic cases of COVID-19 and are not hospitalized or at risk of severe illness.

A separate trial began in July for people who are at risk of severe illness.

“Success against #COVID19 will likely require both vaccines & treatments,” Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla tweeted on Wednesday. “We’re pleased to share we’ve started a Phase 2/3 study of our oral antiviral candidate—specifically designed to combat SARS-CoV-2—in non-hospitalized, low-risk adults.”