Pfizer Tests Pill-Based Treatment to Combat COVID-19

The American company "Pfizer" continues to test a new treatment designed to alleviate symptoms of the novel coronavirus, according to the website "New Atlas". The source stated that the trials have reached their second phase, where participants were given a simple treatment consisting of pill-based tablets that can be taken at home during the early stages of infection. The drug, called "PF-07321332", belongs to a class of antiviral treatments known as protease inhibitors. Pfizer stated in a press release: "Protease inhibitors, such as PF-07321332, are designed to block the activity of the main protease enzyme that the coronavirus needs to spread and replicate." It added: "Administering a low dose of ritonavir is expected to slow down or completely halt replication." In the coming months, 3,000 individuals are expected to be recruited as volunteers for the trials. "New Atlas" noted that researchers anticipate initial results from these trials by the end of this year.