COVID-19 pill that cures body upon first signs of infection could be authorized later this year

The Pfizer pharmaceutical company is conducting trials on an antiviral drug could be ready for public use later this year that is intended to attack the spine of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and result in a cure to the sickness.

The oral drug would stop the virus from mutating in the nose, throat and lungs, according to The Telegraph newspaper, ultimately causing the virus to dissipate. The possible home cure is being tested on 60 volunteers ages18 and 60 at Pfizer facilities in the U.S. and Belgium. 

"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," said Mikael Dolsten, who leads the company’s worldwide research, development and medical division.

The first phase of the trial looks at the tolerance to the drug including "significant side effects, and how people feel after taking it," according to documents.

The second phase studies the response to several doses, and the third phase looks at food consumption while taking the pill.

More trials would be needed to determine how the drug reacts with people who are infected with the virus. 

Pfizer says if the trials are successful the drug could be available for public use later this year.