Health regulators in the United States have authorised the first oral pill against COVID-19, a Pfizer drug that users will be able to take at home to head off the worst effects of the coronavirus.The long-awaited milestone was announced on Wednesday by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The approval comes as coronavirus cases spike globally, including in the US, and health officials warn of a tsunami of new infections from the Omicron variant that could overwhelm hospitals.Data from Pfizer’s clinical trial showed its antiviral regimen was 90 percent effective in preventing hospitalisations and deaths in patients at high risk of severe illness. Recent lab data suggests the drug retains its effectiveness against Omicron.
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