Roche Exit Strengthens Pfizer And Merck & Co In Covid Pill Market

US Stockpiling Could See Pfizer Earn $15bn-25bn

Roche has bowed out of the race to develop an oral COVID-19 therapy, leaving a lucrative but likely short-lived market for its rivals.

Molnupiravir
Merck & Co's molnupiravir (pictured) and Pfizer's PF-07321332 could be true 'game changers' in COVID-19 treatment once authorized for use. • Source: Alamy

Roche is to end its partnership with Atea Pharmaceuticals to develop a COVID-19 oral therapy, a move which will leave Pfizer and Merck & Co. as the dominant players in the nascent field.

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