Pfizer COVID pill now authorized by FDA: It won't 'cure' omicron, but here's what it does

TheFDA gave emergency use authorization to Pfizer’s Paxlovidon Wednesday for treating COVID-19.

It is thefirst oral antiviral treatmentauthorized for fighting the coronavirus.

Data also suggests that the pill will be effective against the new omicron variant.

The two antivirals work together as a protease inhibitor to disrupt the replication of COVID-19 in infected patients.

Doctors note that any therapeutic pills should not replace vaccines as a first line of defense against COVID-19.

WhileCOVID-19 vaccines are highly effective– including against the neweromicron variant– millions of Americans are still not vaccinated.

Here’s what we know about Pfizer’s antiviral pill.

We’ll update this story as more details emerge.

What is Pfizer’s COVID-19 antiviral drug?

In the US, the three approved COVID vaccines can prevent infection.

But for those already infected, antiviral drugs could reduce the odds of serious symptoms, hospitalization and death.

(The ritonavir allows the medication to remain active in the body longer at higher concentrations.)

“It won’t put selective pressure on the virus to evolve,” she said.