As Pfizer reaps megablockbuster COVID-19 sales, CEO doesn't see virus going away for 'foreseeable future'

Among all biopharma companies, Pfizer has had the most successful response to COVID-19 by bringing to market a hugely lucrative vaccine and a new antiviral pill. Despite its pandemic wins, Pfizer scientists think it’s “unlikely that [SARS-CoV-2] will be fully eradicated in the foreseeable future,” the company's CEO said. That’s because the virus’ global distribution makes it difficult to contain, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla told analysts on the company's fourth-quarter conference call. The virus also has the ability to “mutate often,” which makes it tough for companies to “stay ahead,” he said. Meanwhile, natural infections don’t confer the sort of durable protection needed stop mutations and spread, Bourla said.