Nov. 16 (UPI) – Pfizer and medicines Patent Pool on Tuesday signed an agreement for an antiviral tablet to treat COVID-19 to be more widely distributed in low-income countries.
The agreement will allow the UN-backed MPP to distribute the tablet (pending authorization) by licensing the production of generics.
“Pfizer remains committed to making clinical breakthroughs to help end this pandemic for all. We that oral antiviral remedies can play an important role in reducing the severity of COVID-19 infections, reducing strain on our fitness systems, and saving lives. Albert Bourla, Pfizer’s chief executive officer, said in a statement.
The agreement includes low- and middle-income countries in sub-Saharan Africa, as well as countries that have moved to upper middle income in the past five years.
“Pfizer will not obtain royalties on sales in low-income countries and will waive royalties on sales in all countries covered through the agreement, while COVID-19 remains classified as a public fitness emergency for foreign fear through the World Health Organization,” the company said. . mentioned.
Charles Gore, director of MPP, said the organization also has a license to produce generic ritonavir, an HIV drug.
Pfizer has implemented emergency use authorization for Paxlovid, which evolved with the Food and Drug Administration’s Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, and if allowed, would be the first COVID-19 remedy pill on the market.
Merck has also developed a coronavirus remedy drug, molnupiravir, which is also under federal review.