Pfizer Begins Phase 1 Clinical Trial for COVID-19 Oral Treatment

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] American pharmaceutical company Pfizer has begun clinical trials to develop an oral COVID-19 treatment pill.

On the 23rd (local time), according to Forbes and Bloomberg News, Pfizer started Phase 1 clinical trials in the United States for the oral antiviral drug 'PF-07321332' to treat COVID-19.

This therapeutic agent is intended for use in patients in the early stages of infection. Bloomberg News explained, "It inhibits an enzyme called 'protease,' preventing the virus from replicating itself within human cells," and added, "If early-stage infected patients take it, it can prevent progression to severe illness."

Pfizer plans to disclose detailed information about PF-07321332 at the American Chemical Society (ACS) Spring meeting on April 6. Pfizer stated, "The oral antiviral drug has shown strong antiviral activity against COVID-19 in preclinical studies."

In addition to Pfizer, multinational pharmaceutical companies Merck and Roche are also developing oral antiviral drugs.

Michael Dolsten, Pfizer's Chief Scientific Officer (CSO), said, "To respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, both prevention through vaccines and treatment for infected patients are necessary." He emphasized, "Considering that COVID-19 is mutating and continues to affect the world, it is essential to have treatment options both now and after the pandemic."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.