The global fight against COVID-19 is taking a huge leap forward. Rather than just relying on vaccinations alone, pharmaceutical companies have begun to come up with an oral alternative. Last month, Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced an experimental oral drug for COVID-19 that halves the chance of hospitalisation or death for patients who are at risk of severe disease. It was the first oral antiviral drug developed to combat COVID-19. And now, Pfizer (NYSE: PFE), the company that came up with a vaccine that was 95% efficient at preventing severe disease, has followed up with its COVID-19 pill. What’s even better is that Pfizer claims its drug cuts the chances of hospitalisation or death by up to 89%, a significant increase from Merck’s claim of 50%. While vaccines remain the best way to control the pandemic, their uneven distribution means that certain parts of the world may not have access to them....