FSDC - COVID-19 pill developer Pardes to go public via SPAC deal with FS Development Corp. II

Pardes Biosciences, a developer of a COVID-19 pill named PBI-0451, plans to go public via a merger with blank check company FS Development Corp II (NASDAQ:FSDC), Reuters reports. A shareholder vote in this regard is scheduled for Thursday. Unlike the COVID-19 pill developed by Pfizer (NYSE:PFE), PBI-0451, currently undergoing Phase 1 trial, works as a standalone treatment. Pfizer’s (PFE) Paxlovid — currently under the FDA review for authorization — is a two-drug antiviral regimen. PBI-0451 is a protease inhibitor, similar to Pfizer's nirmatrelvir in its antiviral combination. However, to boost the action of nirmatrelvir, Paxlovid has Ritonavir, which could interact with other medications patients take, potentially leading to complications. "We believe the ability to have an unboosted regimen will be important," Pardes CEO Uri Lopatin said. The company plans to complete the current Phase 1 trial for PBI-0451 early next year. A Phase 2 trial which could form the basis for regulatory approval, is

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COVID-19 pill developer, Pardes to go public via SPAC deal with FS Development Corp. II