Coronavirus: The role of antiviral pills in reducing COVID-19 symptoms; Here's all you need to know

Amid COVID crisis, vaccines and vigilance have become the need of the hour. Both ensure prevention and some amount of protection from the deadly virus.

Coronavirus vaccines have proven effective in minimizing severity and transmission risks in people. It has been noted that the available vaccines have also reduced the chances of hospitalization in patients. However, given the rise in the number of breakthrough infections, people have remained sceptical.

Although vaccines are currently the best available bet against the coronavirus infections, scientists and medical professionals are working tirelessly to develop new means and methods to manage the pandemic. Recent reports suggest that major pharma giants are in collaboration to produce antiviral oral pills that could help minimize COVID symptoms and complication risks. However, how soon these antiviral pills will be available are still under speculation.

Like any other antiviral drug, COVID pill will also work towards neutralising the virus's ability to replicate and multiply. While vaccines block viral entry into the body, antiviral pills stop these viruses from wreaking havoc post-infection.

As per reports, the COVID pill is an antiviral drug that could be taken by people who test positive for coronavirus. It is said to help people manage their symptoms at home and to prevent the symptoms from worsening any further. The antiviral drug will also help neutralise the virus in a few days, especially if the symptoms are mild.

Read more: Coronavirus vaccines: Do more COVID-19 vaccine side-effects mean higher protection?

While COVID vaccines provide the best possible protection against the virus, the antiviral drug can help post a COVID infection. The former helps prevent the virus, while the latter assists in managing and treating the infections.

Currently, Pfizer, Merck, and Japanese-based company Shionogi are all reportedly developing the COVID pill.

In a statement back in March 2021, Pfizer had said, “Tackling the COVID-19 pandemic requires both preventions via vaccine and targeted treatment for those who contract the virus.”

“We have designed PF-07321332 as a potential oral therapy that could be prescribed at the first sign of infection, without requiring that patients are hospitalized or in critical care. At the same time, Pfizer’s intravenous antiviral candidate is a potential novel treatment option for hospitalized patients, " it added.

While American chemicals company Merck has already received FDA approval for its oral antiviral drug Molnupiravir and has already struck a deal in the United States, Pfizer's experimental drugs are still under clinical trial. However, according to reports, it could be launched in the market as soon as this year.

Japan's pharma company has also started its clinical trial on once-a-day pill recently, but it is still in its early stages.