Nirmatrelvir

Nirmatrelvir is an orally bioavailable small molecule antiviral drug developed by Pfizer for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19. It acts as a reversible covalent peptidomimetic inhibitor of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro, also known as 3CL protease or nsp5 protease), an enzyme essential for viral replication. By inhibiting this protease, nirmatrelvir prevents the cleavage of viral polyproteins and blocks virus replication in infected cells. Nirmatrelvir is administered in combination with ritonavir, which serves as a pharmacokinetic enhancer by inhibiting CYP3A-mediated metabolism and increasing plasma concentrations of nirmatrelvir[5][6][8]. The combination is marketed under the brand name Paxlovid and is indicated for adults at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19[1][2].

Brand names

Paxlovid

Other names

nirmatrelvirPF-07321332PF07321332PF 07321332