Efforts to Develop a Cost-Effective and Scalable Synthetic Process for Nirmatrelvir

Nirmatrelvir, the novel antiviral component of Pfizer’s orally available combination therapy Paxlovid, used to treat COVID-19, presents a significant synthetic challenge. Herein, we report process optimization insights that could enable a scalable and cost-effective manufacturing process to make nirmatrelvir. The disclosed development opens up a path to three new complete routes, offering options to eliminate some of the major cost-drivers for nirmatrelvir and deliver the final API in higher yield and lower overall cost while maintaining quality requirements.