Pfizer, like Merck, inks deal to license COVID-19 pill and boost global supply

With its highly anticipated COVID-19 oral treatment seemingly on a fast track to approval, Pfizer already is lining it up to be manufactured as a generic by countries in need. Under an agreement with the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP), Pfizer will license Paxlovid to facilitate affordable global access. The deal will allow sub-licensees to supply 95 countries that account for 53% of the world's population, Pfizer said. The arrangement mirrors the one made by Merck and Ridgeback with the MPP three weeks ago, allowing for needy countries to manufacture those drugmakers' COVID-19 pill molnupiravir. Molnupiravir also is expected to be endorsed by the FDA in the coming weeks. Both deals are contingent upon regulatory authorizations or approvals. An FDA advisory group will meet on Nov. 30 to discuss Merck's application for molnupiravir.