Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

brooklynite

(93,873 posts)
Mon Jul 26, 2021, 08:25 AM Jul 2021

Covid-19 Pill Race Heats Up as Japanese Firm Vies With Pfizer, Merck

Source: Wall Street Journal

A Japanese company has started human trials of the first once-a-day pill for Covid-19 patients, joining Pfizer Inc. and Merck & Co. in the race to find treatments for the disease.

Osaka-based Shionogi & Co., which helped develop the blockbuster cholesterol drug Crestor, said it designed its pill to attack the Covid-19 virus. It said the once-a-day dosing would be more convenient. The company said it is testing the drug and any side effects in trials that began this month and are likely to continue until next year.

Shionogi is months behind Pfizer and Merck, which have started later-stage tests of pills to treat Covid-19. Pfizer has said its twice-daily pill could be ready to hit the market as soon as this year. It is preparing to enroll more than 2,000 patients in a test of the antiviral pill combined with a booster antiviral drug against a placebo.

All three companies aim to fill one of the biggest gaps in fighting the pandemic. Vaccines remain effective at preventing serious illness from known strains of the Covid-19 virus including the contagious Delta strain, studies have shown. But some people don’t want to get vaccinated, and cases can occur for those who do get their shots.


Read more: https://www.wsj.com/articles/covid-19-pill-race-heats-up-as-japanese-firm-vies-with-pfizer-merck-11627205403
10 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Covid-19 Pill Race Heats Up as Japanese Firm Vies With Pfizer, Merck (Original Post) brooklynite Jul 2021 OP
Kick BlueWavePsych Jul 2021 #1
"But some people don't want to get vaccinated" b/c they're afraid of needles. ffr Jul 2021 #2
i hate needles, I still get vaccinations as needed, including one for Covid. lark Jul 2021 #3
There already IS a pill for the disease, HUAJIAO Jul 2021 #4
If they won't get vaccinated, Bayard Jul 2021 #5
But you can mash it up and hide it in their baby food... brooklynite Jul 2021 #6
LOL KS Toronado Jul 2021 #8
Once a day and twice a day pills? That doesn't sound right Mr. Sparkle Jul 2021 #7
I think it's like how it works with antibiotics Sapient Donkey Jul 2021 #9
You are right Mr. Sparkle Jul 2021 #10

ffr

(22,649 posts)
2. "But some people don't want to get vaccinated" b/c they're afraid of needles.
Mon Jul 26, 2021, 10:39 AM
Jul 2021

Babies! Wimps! Losers!

lark

(23,003 posts)
3. i hate needles, I still get vaccinations as needed, including one for Covid.
Mon Jul 26, 2021, 10:48 AM
Jul 2021

Don't look - it's easier that way - but get the freaking shot!

HUAJIAO

(2,362 posts)
4. There already IS a pill for the disease,
Mon Jul 26, 2021, 11:17 AM
Jul 2021

which name I dare not state as the last time I did I got a hide..



Bayard

(21,806 posts)
5. If they won't get vaccinated,
Mon Jul 26, 2021, 12:05 PM
Jul 2021

Why think they're going to take a pill?

Fauci is behind it. One more evil plot.

Mr. Sparkle

(2,915 posts)
7. Once a day and twice a day pills? That doesn't sound right
Mon Jul 26, 2021, 12:30 PM
Jul 2021

Last edited Mon Jul 26, 2021, 03:26 PM - Edit history (1)

on seconds thoughts, it sounds fine !

Sapient Donkey

(1,568 posts)
9. I think it's like how it works with antibiotics
Mon Jul 26, 2021, 02:20 PM
Jul 2021

You take some pills daily over a course of a week or whatever. I’m not educated in that area, but it seems reasonable to me. Is there a reason why you’re skeptical?

Mr. Sparkle

(2,915 posts)
10. You are right
Mon Jul 26, 2021, 03:25 PM
Jul 2021

and I'm wrong. After re-reading the article again, it does sound like a course treatment rather than a reoccurring daily intake of tablets, which was my initial take. My apologies !

Latest Discussions»Latest Breaking News»Covid-19 Pill Race Heats ...