Pfizer’s COVID-19 push: antiviral candidate identified as anti-inflammatory Xeljanz starts trial

For its latest COVID-19 initiatives, Pfizer has identified a lead antiviral candidate and announced the planned start of a Phase II study of anti-inflammatory Xeljanz in Italy. The updates came as the pharma unveiled details of its mRNA vaccine partnership with BioNTech, announced March 17.

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) said it could begin clinical testing in 3Q20 of a lead small molecule inhibitor of a SARS-CoV-2 protease, 3CLpro. After preliminary data indicated antiviral activity, the company is planning additional preclinical studies to confirm antiviral activity and determine the 3CLpro inhibitor’s suitability for IV administration. ...