Pfizer presented at a meeting of the AmericanChemical Society a potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug (PF-07321332), the firstorally administered coronavirus-specific protease inhibitor. CompoundPF-07321332 is currently in Phase 1 clinical trials and is the first orallyadministered compound that targets the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 virus, whichcauses COVID-19 disease. By inhibiting the main protease, PF-07321332 preventsthe virus from multiplying in the host cells. This compound is a covalentinhibitor that reacts with cysteine ​​at the active site of the main protease.

Because PF-07321332 can be taken orally, as atablet or capsule, it could be given outside hospitals if it proves to be safeand effective, which is a great advantage over intravenous drug formulations.Also, people who have been exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus could use this drugas a preventive measure.

PF-07321332 is de novo developed drugduring the current SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic. Pfizer’s scientists also managedto successfully scale-up the synthesis of this compound, thus in just 6 months,they were able to increase the synthesis of this compound to a kilogram scale.