U.S. Government Orders 3.7 Million More Paxlovid Courses

The U.S. government has inked a purchase deal with Pfizer for almost $2 billion for an additional 3.7 million courses of Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir, ritonavir), the company’s oral COVID-19 drug.

The new purchase adds to the 20 million Paxlovid treatment courses that the government previously purchased for delivery by early 2023.

Paxlovid is currently under Emergency Use Authorization for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults and children 12 years and older who weigh at least 88 pounds. Pfizer submitted a New Drug Application (NDA) in June for approved use of Paxlovid in individuals who are at high risk of progression to severe COVID-19 disease. The FDA’s target action date for the NDA is in February 2023.