USFDA to authorize Pfizer, Merck COVID pills this week: Report
New Delhi: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is set to authorize COVID-19 treatment pills from both Pfizer Inc and Merck as early as December 22, Bloomberg News reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter.
The two drugs, especially Pfizer's pill Paxlovid, are seen as promising new oral treatments that can be taken upon onset of symptoms at home to help prevent COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths.
Britain in November became the first country in the world to approve Merck's antiviral drug for use in people with mild to moderate COVID-19 and for those who have at least one risk factor for developing severe illness.
The United States has a contract to buy as many as 5 million courses of Merck's drug, and 10 million courses of Pfizer's treatment.
Read also: EU drug agency gives advice on use of Pfizer Covid-19 pill
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