- A study in China shows that a remdesivir analog, dubbed VV116, is as effective as Pfizer Inc’s PFE oral COVID-19 pill.
- Gilead Sciences Inc’s GILD Veklury (remdesivir) is approved as a treatment for severe COVID-19.
- The Phase 3 results, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, exhibit that the treatment had fewer side effects than Paxlovid.
- 67.4% of people who took VV116 reported side effects, compared to 77.3% who took Paxlovid.
- Also read: After Famed COVID-19 Pill, Pfizer Inks Research Pact For Another Antiviral Candidate.
- VV116 was associated with fewer unexpected side effects due to reactions with other medications, such as those for insomnia, seizures, or high blood pressure.
- In the primary analysis involving the full analysis population, sustained clinical recovery occurred in 377 participants in the VV116 group and 378 participants in the Paxlovid group.
- The median time to recovery was four days for VV116 recipients and five days for those who took Paxlovid.
- No participants in either group had died or had progressed to severe COVID-19 by day 28.
- Price Action: PFE shares are down 0.51% at $51.07 during the premarket session on the last check Friday.
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