Pharma giants bring new hope in fight against COVID-19 pandemic with development of oral therapeutics

By Patrick Miller |

  • Pfizer’s experimental oral pill to treat COVID-19 may arrive in the market by the end of 2021.
  • Merck signs agreement with 5 Indian generics manufacturers to accelerate the supply of molnupiravir in India and other LMICs.

Albert Bourla, the CEO of Pfizer, announced the arrival of its experimental oral pill to treat COVID-19 by the end of 2021. Pfizer reportedly began the early-stage clinical trial testing of the new antiviral therapy for coronavirus in March.

The drug falls under a class of medicines, protease inhibitors and works by preventing an enzyme that the virus needs to replicate in the human cells. Protease inhibitors are utilized for treatment of other viral pathogens such as hepatitis C and HIV.

As per sources familiar with the matter, the drug could be available for distribution across the U.S. by the end of 2021, provided the clinical trials are successful and the FDA approves it.

Pfizer is further testing its COVID-19 vaccine in the 6 months to 11-year age group. The pharmaceutical giant is also waiting for FDA to grant its request on expansion of its vaccine authorization in the 12-15 years age group. The Pfizer vaccine is allegedly 100% effective in the adolescents aged 12-15.

As per reports, the New Jersey based pharmaceutical behemoth, Merck in collaboration with Ridgeback Biotherapeutics LP is also on the way of developing at-home pill to treat coronavirus. Dubbed Molnupiravir, the pill is an antiviral therapy and is currently in Phase 3 trial in non-hospitalized Covid-19 patients. The oral medication would be taken in a course of 2 pills per day over five days.

The company, as per reliable sources, has also entered into non-exclusive voluntary licensing agreements with five Indian generics manufacturers, Cipla Limited, Emcure Pharmaceuticals Limited, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Limited, Hetero Labs Limited, and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited for molnupiravir. The move comes as a strategy to tackle the devastating health conditions in India by enhancing the availability of Merck’s oral medication in the country and other LMICs (low- and middle-income countries). As part of the agreement, Merck will grant licenses to the listed manufacturers for supplying molnupiravir to India and more than 100 LMICs.

The development of oral therapeutics by the pharmaceutical giants is being viewed as a revolutionary breakthrough in treatment of COVID-19 by health experts. These medications will help people treat the disease from the comfort of their homes, reduce hospital trips, and will significantly prevent the disease from spreading.



Source Credits:

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/04/27/pfizer-at-home-covid-pill-could-be-available-by-year-end-ceo-albert-bourla-says.html

https://www.precisionvaccinations.com/2021/04/27/merck-licenses-investigational-oral-therapeutic-treatment-covid-19-india

Comments

Post a Comment

Add your comment here

Popular posts

UK PM and Bill Gates announce new green partnership

By Hope Hill |
U.S. business magnate Bill Gates and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson have made it to the headlines for announcing a new partnership between the government and the Breakthrough Energy Catalyst. The deal entails a substantial amount to be invested in next-gen clean energy technologies. For the unversed, Catalyst is a vital program within the Breakthrough Energy network and brings together a variety of parties – businesspersons, philanthropists, and governments, to invest in climate technologies. Catalyst focuses on four major green technology areas including long term energy storage, direct air capture, green hydrogen, and sustainable aviation fuels. As per sources, the UK government has already pledged to commit GBP 200 million to develop UK projects in these four areas as a part of the GBP 1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio. Businesses that have had tie-ups with the Breakthrough Energy Catalyst will match fund GBP 200 million of that investment to help market these technologies...
Read more

Mars embarks on new initiative to reduce GHG emissions across value chain

By Patrick Miller |
Mars, Incorporated, has declared that it has a new mission in mind. The company has strengthened its commitment to accomplish a state of net zero GHG emissions spanning its overall value chain, by the year 2050. Mars’ mission aligns with the prestigious Paris Agreement, one of the most ambitious climate change action plans, that aims to limit global temperature rises up until 1.5 °C. Grant F. Reid, Chief Executive Officer, Mars, has some real-time insights into the present climate change situation. He has been quoted to state that faster initiatives must be taken at this point of time, since climate change is already well on its way to affecting people and to eliminate this threat, net zero targets must be implemented seamlessly, across whole distribution networks and the results must be depicted soon enough, instead of having to waiting for ages. Reid acknowledges the fact that a lot of loopholes exist in some net zero commitments that reduce their credibility and at large, the cli...
Read more

Munters signs turnkey project to build lithium battery laboratory

By Patrick Miller |
Energy and climate solutions leader Munters has reportedly signed a turnkey project agreement entailing the construction of a laboratory in Scandinavia. As per sources, the company plans to design and build a lithium battery laboratory in the Scandinavian region, strengthening its position as a major supplier to lithium battery producers. Munters’ step ahead may be an action initiated in favor of climate change that is increasing the demand for lithium batteries the world over. Munters’ ability to build the unit and its competence to ensure appropriate execution of the construction was a major requirement by the client. As per terms and conditions, the company will deliver the project over the forthcoming six months. The project valuation adds up to around MSEK 83.5. Klas Forsström, President and Chief Executive Officer, Munters, has been quoted to state that with increasing focus being given on minimizing carbon emissions, there’s a strong megatrend of sustainability in the market...
Read more