Pfizer Will Allow Developing Nations to Make Its COVID Pill

Pfizer announced a deal to make its COVID-19 treatment affordable in 95 poorer nations, covering over half the world's population. The agreement involves a royalty-free license to the Medicines Patent Pool, allowing manufacturers to produce the antiviral pill. Clinical trials show the pill reduces hospitalization risk by 89% in vulnerable adults. This follows a similar deal by Merck, potentially expanding global production of home treatments. Pfizer also submitted the pill for FDA emergency use authorization in the US.

What is the main goal of Pfizer's agreement regarding its COVID-19 treatment?

• To limit the distribution to a few countries

• To increase the price of the treatment

• To allow inexpensive production in 95 poorer nations

• To make the treatment available in wealthier nations

What percentage did Pfizer's pill reduce the risk of hospitalization or death in vulnerable adults?

• 95%

• 75%

• 89%

• 50%

Which company made a similar arrangement to Pfizer's deal last month?

• Johnson & Johnson

• Moderna

• AstraZeneca

• Merck

What is the potential impact of the deals made by Pfizer and Merck?

• To limit the treatments to hospital use only

• To increase the complexity of treatments

• To expand global production of at-home treatments

• To reduce the number of available treatments

What action did Pfizer take on Tuesday regarding its COVID-19 pill in the US?

• Announced a price increase

• Withdrew its application for approval

• Submitted for FDA emergency use authorization

• Started a new clinical trial