Pfizer announces $1,390 price for a five-day course of Paxlovid

  • Pfizer will more than double the price of its COVID antiviral, Paxlovid, once it moves to the commercial market
  • The new price will be $1,390 for a five-day course, compared to the $529 charged to the U.S. government during the pandemic
  • The price increase is defended by Pfizer, stating that it does not necessarily reflect what a patient will pay
  • Paxlovid reduced the risk of death and hospitalization by 37% in a study of 70,000 people
  • Pfizer unveiled a cost-reduction program due to low uptake of COVID-19 vaccines and declining demand for Paxlovid
  • The company has reduced its full-year revenue guidance and adjusted earnings per share expectations

Factuality Level: 7
Justification: The article provides information about the price increase of Pfizer’s Paxlovid COVID-19 antiviral drug and includes statements from Pfizer defending the increase. It also mentions the government’s previous payment for the drug and the availability of rebates and discounts for patients. The article cites a study that shows the effectiveness of Paxlovid in reducing the risk of death and hospitalization. It also mentions Pfizer’s cost-reduction program and the company’s revised revenue guidance. Overall, the article presents factual information but may lack in-depth analysis or alternative perspectives.

Noise Level: 3
Justification: The article provides relevant information about Pfizer’s pricing strategy for its COVID-19 antiviral drug, Paxlovid. It mentions the price increase compared to what the U.S. government paid during the pandemic and includes Pfizer’s defense of the increase. The article also mentions the study that shows the drug’s effectiveness and Pfizer’s cost-cutting program. However, it lacks in-depth analysis, scientific rigor, and actionable insights.

Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: The article provides information about Pfizer Inc. and its pricing strategy for the Paxlovid COVID-19 antiviral drug. This information may impact the pharmaceutical industry and investors in Pfizer.

Presence of Extreme Event: No
Nature of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating of the Extreme Event: No
Justification: The article discusses the pricing of Pfizer’s Paxlovid COVID-19 antiviral drug, which is relevant to financial markets and the pharmaceutical industry. However, there is no mention of an extreme event or its impact.

Public Companies: Pfizer Inc. (PFE)
Private Companies:
Key People: Dave Denton (Chief Financial Officer), Dr. Albert Bourla (CEO)


Pfizer Inc. has announced that it will more than double the price of its COVID-19 antiviral, Paxlovid, once the drug moves to the commercial market. The new price will be $1,390 for a five-day course, compared to the $529 charged to the U.S. government during the pandemic. Pfizer defended the price increase by stating that it does not necessarily reflect what a patient will pay, as it does not include rebates or discounts available to privately insured patients or pharmacy-benefit managers. Paxlovid has shown promising results, reducing the risk of death and hospitalization by 37% in a study of 70,000 people. However, Pfizer has faced challenges with low uptake of COVID-19 vaccines and declining demand for Paxlovid, leading to a cost-reduction program. The company has reduced its full-year revenue guidance and adjusted earnings per share expectations.