New Pfizer antivirals could be available on wider market in future

The new Paxlovid pills currently for ‘high-risk’ patients only will become available in Ireland in the coming weeks

The Paxlovid pills are being developed at Pfizer’s two Irish plants in Ringaskiddy and Newbridge. Picture: Reuters

Pfizer’s new anti-viral drugs for Covid-19 will only be prescribed for “high-risk patients” for now, but may provide benefits to the wider public in time, according to the scientist who developed the treatment.

Dr Annaliesa Anderson, the clinical development lead on the Paxlovid antiviral programme, was speaking to the Business Post from New Jersey in the US.

The Paxlovid pills, which were approved by the European Medicines Agency late last month, are being developed at ...