Pfizer of the United States said today, that Pfizer’s oral antiviral drug Paxlovid has been confirmed by clinical trials, that if high-risk people take it in the first few days of the onset of COVID-19 symptoms, hospitalizations and deaths will be reduced by nearly 90%.
This is the result of a test based on more than 2,200 people and supports the preliminary test results announced last month. Pfizer also said that Paxlovid appears to be effective against COVID-19 Omicron variants.
Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said in a statement that this news further confirms, if the oral antiviral drug candidates were authorized or approved, may have a meaningful impact on the lives of many people.
According to the Pfizer trial, adults at high risk of COVID-19 can reduce their hospitalization needs by 89% if they take Paxlovid within 3 days of the onset of symptoms, and 88% if they take it within 5 days.
Laboratory data show that Paxlovid also seems to be effective in treating patients infected with the Omicron variant.