Pfizer IDs Antiviral Candidate for Treating COVID-19

Pfizer said it has identified an antiviral drug candidate that may aid in treating patients infected by the novel coronavirus.

The company said preclinical data showed that the compound, originally developed to treat the 2003 SARS coronavirus, has potential to treat patients with COVID-19.

Pfizer expects to start human trials in the fall — three months earlier than originally expected.