Pfizer COVID pill generic versions for World’s Poor

Pfizer Inc strikes a deal that could allow 95 low- and middle-income countries to access the COVID-19 treatment.

The Pfizer world headquarters stands in Midtown Manhattan on July 29, 2019 in New York City. Source: Drew Angerer/ Getty Images.

The agreement between pharmaceutical behemoth Pfizer and international public health organization Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) will allow generic manufacturers to supply Paxlovid pills to 95 developing countries (covering approximately 53% of the world's population), primarily in Africa and Asia.

Pfizer announced on Tuesday that it will not receive royalties on sales in any of the countries covered by the agreement.

Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said in a statement, "Pfizer remains committed to bringing forth scientific breakthroughs to help end this pandemic for all people".