Pfizer Says its Antiviral COVID-19 Pill Cuts Hospitalization or Death by 89 Percent

Pfizer Inc has announced that its experimental antiviral pill for COVID–19 cuts rates of death and hospitalization by 89 percent in high risk adults.

Most of the current treatments for COVID-19 require an IV or injection. Pfizer joins drug maker Merck in the development of a pill form treatment. The Merck version is already under review with the Food and Drug Administration and has been authorized for use in the UK. 

Pfizer said it will ask the FDA to authorize its pill as soon as possible after experts recommended halting the company’s study based on the already promising results.