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Pfizer introduces oral SARS-CoV-2 inhibitor

By Brian Buntz | April 8, 2021

PfizerAn experimental oral antiviral from Pfizer that recently became the focus of a Phase 1 study was featured at the American Chemical Society Spring 2021 meeting.

Known as PF-07321332, the compound is a protease inhibitor. It works by binding to a viral enzyme known as protease to block viral replication.

Protease inhibitors are used to treat HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C, but PF-07321332 is the first oral protease inhibitor to target the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Protease inhibitors are generally well tolerated. Side effects of protease inhibitors, in general, can include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting and insulin resistance.

Pfizer has also developed PF-07304814, a similar protease inhibitor, but that compound is intended for intravenous use.

Eli Lilly and Regeneron have developed infusion-based SARS-CoV-2 antibody drugs, but they have not been broadly used.

PF-07321332, if authorized, could be prescribed when the first symptoms of COVID-19 emerge.

Pfizer created PF-07321332 during the pandemic, first synthesizing it in July 2020.

In later tests, the compound displayed strong in vitro antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses.

Its broad-spectrum efficacy could make it effective against future coronavirus-associated pandemics.

Pfizer estimates that the Phase 1 trial of the drug will be completed by May 30.


Filed Under: clinical trials, Drug Discovery, Infectious Disease
Tagged With: clinical trials, coronavirus, covid-19, PF-07321332, Pfizer
 

About The Author

Brian Buntz

As the pharma and biotech editor at WTWH Media, Brian has almost two decades of experience in B2B media, with a focus on healthcare and technology. While he has long maintained a keen interest in AI, more recently Brian has made making data analysis a central focus, and is exploring tools ranging from NLP and clustering to predictive analytics.

Throughout his 18-year tenure, Brian has covered an array of life science topics, including clinical trials, medical devices, and drug discovery and development. Prior to WTWH, he held the title of content director at Informa, where he focused on topics such as connected devices, cybersecurity, AI and Industry 4.0. A dedicated decade at UBM saw Brian providing in-depth coverage of the medical device sector. Engage with Brian on LinkedIn or drop him an email at bbuntz@wtwhmedia.com.

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