Nirmatrelvir

Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla has withstood an ousting attempt by activist investor Starboard Value, despite Pfizer's declining share price. Starboard, with a $1 billion stake, blamed Bourla for the decline and claimed support from former executives. However, Bourla remains in control, attributed to Starboard's flawed analysis and Pfizer's potential hidden value in recent deals. Pfizer's Q3 2024 revenues rose 30%, further supporting Bourla's position.

NMV/r (Paxlovid™) is an oral antiviral COVID-19 treatment authorized under EUA by the FDA, effective in reducing hospitalizations and deaths in high-risk patients. It inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, preventing viral replication, and is coadministered with ritonavir to enhance pharmacokinetics. Real-world studies show NMV/r's effectiveness in reducing severe COVID-19 progression. However, ritonavir's inhibition of CYP3A4 and other enzymes can lead to significant drug-drug interactions (DDIs), necessitating careful patient selection and management of concomitant medications. Pfizer's Global SDB reported 966 cases of DDIs, with low reporting rates (0.005%) and mostly nonserious events, though 33.2% of global cases and 22.7% of US cases were serious, including 1.4% and 1.0% with fatal outcomes, respectively.

Ronna Hauser, SVP of policy and pharmacy affairs at NCPA, discusses the urgent need for PBM reform, advocating for fair compensation for community pharmacies, particularly in Medicaid Managed Care and Medicare Part D programs. NCPA highlights the essential role of community pharmacists in patient care, especially in underserved areas, and supports initiatives like CPESN to ensure fair payment for clinical services. The organization's 'Finish the Fight' campaign aims to push PBM reform through Congress, with nearly 40,000 patients advocating for it. NCPA also works to improve patient access to affordable medications, particularly in rural areas, and is preparing for future challenges by focusing on legislative, policy, and legal fronts.

Research references on COVID-19 treatments, including antiviral drugs, SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors, molnupiravir, nirmatrelvir, and cold atmospheric plasma applications for virus inactivation.