Pfizer company logo is seen at a Pfizer office in Puurs, Belgium, December 2, 2022. (Photo: REUTERS)

Charlotte Allerton, Pfizer's chief scientific officer, said COVID-19 has "the potential to remain a global health concern for years to come".

Pfizer already has a COVID antiviral pill Paxlovid, which the drugmaker expects to generate about 22 billion USD in revenue this year.