The American pharmaceutical company Pfizer has begun the first phase of clinical trials of an oral pre-oral drug for outpatient use at the first symptoms of coronavirus infection COVID-19. Experts are also studying the possibility of using a similar drug for intravenous administration in a hospital setting.
According to Medportal.ru, the drug, codenamed PF-07321332, is a protease inhibitor that prevents the virus from replicating in cells. In in vitro studies, it has demonstrated high efficacy against SARS-CoV-2. The pharmaceutical company said in a statement that protease inhibitors are effective in treating other viruses such as HIV and hepatitis C, either alone or in combination with other drugs.
During the first phase of clinical trials with healthy volunteers, scientists will assess the tolerance and safety of the drug at different dosages.
Pfizer is also testing an intravenous protease inhibitor for hospitalized patients.
