The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is set to authorize COVID-19 treatment pills from both Pfizer Inc and Merck as early as Wednesday, Bloomberg News reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter.
The two drugs, especially Pfizer's pill Paxlovid, are seen as promising new oral treatments that can be taken upon onset of symptoms at home to help prevent COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths.
Merck's drug, molnupiravir, developed with Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, was shown to reduce hospitalizations and deaths by around 30% in a clinical trial of high-risk individuals early in the course of the illness.Molnupiravir gained a narrow vote in favor of authorization by a panel of advisers to the FDA on Nov. 30.
Meanwhile, Pfizer's Paxlovid showed near 90% efficacy in preventing hospitalizations and deaths in high-risk patients.Britain in November became the first country in the world to approve Merck's antiviral drug for use in people with mild to moderate COVID-19 and for those who have at least one risk factor for developing severe illness.
The United States has a contract to buy as many as 5 million courses of Merck's drug, and 10 million courses of Pfizer's treatment.Reporting by Manas Mishra in Bengaluru; editing by Uttaresh.VSubscribe for our daily curated newsletter to receive the latest exclusive Reuters coverage delivered to your inbox.
Norge Siste Nytt, Norge Overskrifter
Similar News:Du kan også lese nyheter som ligner på denne som vi har samlet inn fra andre nyhetskilder.
New Zealand Says Man’s Death May Be Linked to Pfizer VaccineHealth officials in New Zealand believe a 26-year-old man’s death may be linked to Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine. An early review shows the probable cause of death was myocarditis, which is a rare side effect of the vaccine that inflames the heart muscle wall.
Les mer »
Pfizer Shot Just 33% Effective Against Omicron Infection, But Largely Prevents Severe Disease, South Africa Study FindsI am a London-based reporter for Forbes covering breaking news. Previously, I have worked as a reporter for a specialist legal publication covering big data and as a freelance journalist and policy analyst covering science, tech and health. I have a master’s degree in Biological Natural Sciences and a master’s degree in the History and Philosophy of Science from the University of Cambridge. Follow me on Twitter theroberthart or email me at rhartforbes.com
Les mer »
Pfizer Shot Just 33% Effective Against Omicron Infection, But Largely Prevents Severe Disease, South Africa Study FindsI am a London-based reporter for Forbes covering breaking news. Previously, I have worked as a reporter for a specialist legal publication covering big data and as a freelance journalist and policy analyst covering science, tech and health. I have a master’s degree in Biological Natural Sciences and a master’s degree in the History and Philosophy of Science from the University of Cambridge. Follow me on Twitter theroberthart or email me at rhartforbes.com
Les mer »
Covid: Christmas travel will fuel spread of Omicron, US expert warnsThe US infectious disease expert says the Covid-19 variant will spread - even among the vaccinated.
Les mer »
‘Jagged Little Pill’ Musical Closes Permanently on Broadway Amid Rising COVID-19 CasesThe Tony and Grammy award-winning show, inspired by the music of Alanis Morrisette, played its final performance on Dec. 17.
Les mer »
EXCLUSIVE Pardes to go public, says COVID-19 antiviral pill does not need boosterPardes Biosciences on Tuesday said early human testing shows that its experimental COVID-19 antiviral pill works as a standalone treatment and announced plans to go public by merging with a special purpose acquisition company.
Les mer »