EU regulator could issue decision on Pfizer COVID-19 pill ‘within weeks’

Paxlovid, a Pfizer’s coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pill, is seen manufactured in Ascoli, Italy, in this undated handout photo obtained by Reuters on Nov. 16, 2021. (Pfizer/Handout via REUTERS)

The European Union’s drug regulator said on Monday it could issue “within weeks” a decision on whether to approve the use of Pfizer’s COVID-19 pill, Paxlovid, after the U.S. drugmaker submitted an application seeking authorization.

The approval sought is for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID 19 in patients 12 years of age and older, weighing at least 40 kilograms and are at high risk of their illness worsening, the European Medicines Agency said.