molecules of the month

1.  This month’s cover molecule, Pfizer’s PF-07321332 (API of Paxlovid) is an oral, reversible covalent SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitor, which has been submitted to the FDA by Pfizer for emergency approval for Covid treatment. Interim data showed Paxlovid reducing Covid hospitalization and death by 89%. It was nominated for this month’s cover by Mike Koehler, Christian Kuttruff, and Callie Bryan. “Paxlovid sets a speed record in development that may never be broken!” says Mike Koehler. Their Science paper describing the development came out in the same month that their clinical trial was ended early due to strong efficacy. Paxlovid may be more important now that molnupiravir showed sharply reduced efficacy in the final analysis of its trial data relative to the interim analysis.…