Washington: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer antiviral pill to treat Covid-19, with caution for people with certain pre-existing conditions, heralding a new era for future, over-the-counter treatment of the deadly respiratory disease that has killed millions.

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir tablets, co-packaged for oral use) from Pfizer has been licenced for the treatment of mild-to-moderate coronavirus illness (Covid-19) in adults and paediatric patients (12 years of age and older, weighing at least 40 kg) who have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2.

The pill has also been approved for people who are at a high risk of developing severe Covid-19, which could lead to hospitalisation or death. The FDA said in a statement late Wednesday that Paxlovid is only accessible by prescription and should be started as soon as possible following a diagnosis of Covid-19 and within five days of symptom onset.

"The approval marks the first time that a pill-based treatment for Covid-19 has been approved - a significant step forward in the fight against this global pandemic," said Patrizia Cavazzoni, head of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.

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