PORTAGE, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – There is good news and bad news for Kalamazoo County based Pfizer and its blockbuster COVID-19 treatment Paxlovid that is made in Portage.
The company is ending enrollment in clinical tests for “standard risk patients.” Tests so far show that Paxlovid doesn’t help them much or significantly reduce hospitalizations or deaths.
It’s a blow to the pharmaceutical firm’s hope to significantly expand sales of the pill, but there is still a large market for it
And it doesn’t mean that all testing is ending. They have announced a clinical trial for pregnant women, and also plan to test s to see if it works for children and folks with compromised immune systems.
Company CEO Albert Borla said in a statement released by the firm, “With up to 40-50% of people around the world estimated to be at high risk, we believe there remains a significant unmet need for treatment options….to help combat this disease, and we will continue to prioritize efforts to advance the development of Paxlovid.”
Acting Portage City Manager Adam Herringa commented on the company’s plans at last night’s city council meeting.
Pfizer will soon seek final approval for the drug, which has only been given an emergency use authorization by the Food and Drug Administration for high risk patients.
(reporting from John McNeill)
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