Pfizer, a global pharmaceutical company, has allowed the manufacture of a generic drug for the treatment of COVID-19 in pill form, which is currently being developed, so that it can be supplied to poor countries.



According to the AP/AFP news agency, Pfizer has signed a license agreement with the UN-backed medical organization 'International Pharmaceutical Patent Pool' to allow the manufacture of generic drugs for the COVID-19 antiviral drug in pill form.



Under the agreement, generic drug manufacturers will be able to manufacture and supply generic drugs for COVID-19 pill treatment, which Pfizer plans to market under the trade name Paxrovid, to 95 low- and middle-income countries around the world.



The Associated Press reported that these countries account for 53% of the world's population.



Under the contract, Pfizer will pay no royalties for the production of the drug in the poorest countries under the contract.



Other contracting countries have decided not to receive royalties during the period of the COVID-19 emergency.



Earlier, Pfizer announced that a pill-form antiviral drug developed by Pfizer was found to reduce hospitalization and death rates by 89%.



Pfizer is awaiting approval for the drug.