Pfizer, HHS Reach Agreement on Paxlovid Transition to Commercial Market
- October 20, 2023
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Pfizer Inc. have agreed to a plan for transitioning the company’s antiviral drug Paxlovid to the commercial market while maintaining patient access to the COVID-19 treatment, the agency announced October 13.
Under the agreement, Medicare and Medicaid patients and individuals without insurance will continue to have access to HHS-procured Paxlovid for free through 2024. Pfizer will continue to run a patient assistance program for individuals who are uninsured or underinsured from 2025-2028, according to the release.
Paxlovid will remain available to order through HHS until December 15. Pfizer will begin selling Paxlovid to individuals with commercial insurance in 2024 but will also operate a copay assistance program for this group through 2028. Pfizer will refresh product supply for HHS through 2028 to ensure the agency has an inventory that is not expired and includes new formulations of the drug.
In addition, Pfizer will provide the federal government with 1.0 million treatment courses to stockpile for future emergencies, the company’s statement on the deal said.