Pfizer To Allow Its COVID Pill To Be , Made and Sold for a Cheaper Price , in Poorer Countries.<br />On Nov. 16, Pfizer announced it had signed a licensing agreement with the U.N.-backed Medicines Patent Pool permitting more global access to its pill.<br />The agreement with the public health organization would , let generic manufacturers mass-produce the pill, in 95 low- and middle-income nations.<br />The company said this would help to provide the experimental COVID-19 pills to 53% of the global population.<br />But in order to work, Pfizer's pill, Paxlovid, , needs to be given in tandem with another antiviral drug, known as ritonavir. .<br />According to the pharmaceutical company, <br />an interim analysis of its clinical trial , showed an 89% efficacy rate in reducing coronavirus-induced hospitalization or death when given to participants within three days of exhibiting symptoms. .<br />According to the pharmaceutical company, <br />an interim analysis of its clinical trial , showed an 89% efficacy rate in reducing coronavirus-induced hospitalization or death when given to participants within three days of exhibiting symptoms. .<br />On Nov. 16, the drugmaker said it asked the FDA to authorize the pill for high-risk, unvaccinated individuals.<br />On Nov. 16, the drugmaker said it asked the FDA to authorize the pill for high-risk, unvaccinated individuals.<br />Merck submitted its own COVID-19 pill, molnupiravir, for emergency FDA approval in October.<br />It was approved for use in the U.K. on Nov. 4.<br />CNN reports that last month, Merck also announced a licensing agreement that , would allow broader access to its pill, in 105 low- and middle-income countries
