A coronavirus pill that could be taken when the disease first appears may be available for use by Pfizer by the end of 2021.
Speaking to CNBC, the CEO of the pharmaceutical industry, Albert Bourla, pointed out that antiviral therapy "is expected to be effective against coronavirus mutations".
When asked about the Telegraph report which states that clinical trials are taking place in the US and Belgium where adult volunteers take a pill to treat the disease Covid-19, Burla admitted that "the article is expensive" and that Pfizer is indeed working on such treatments.
"We are testing two antiviral drugs, one of which is given intravenously and the other orally," she said, adding that Pfizer focuses on oral selection because it "provides many benefits", most importantly that it does not require switching to hospital or other health care provider to receive treatment.
"The possibility of someone receiving antiviral treatment for coronavirus orally in their own home will change the terms of the game," Burla said.
Asked what he considers to be "a reasonable amount of time" to complete the clinical trial and make the pill available, Burla replied: "If all goes well, I hope by the end of the year."
Source: Newsbeast.gr