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Pfizer announced it would spend $120 million to expand its facility in Kalamazoo County, Michigan. The money will go toward producing its antiviral COVID drug, Paxlovid. The investment comes after another major investment of $450 million by the company in Portage, Michigan, last year and will create about 250 jobs. 

Chief Global Supply Officer Mike McDermot reflected on the impact Pfizer has had over the last three years. “The upwards of a billion dollars investment, hundreds of colleagues that have been hired, and the community that came together to support us with everything we needed.”

Currently, Paxlovid can be used for emergencies by those who are immunocompromised, 75 or older, 65 and older with other health conditions, 12 or under with other health conditions, and pregnant women not up-to-date on vaccinations. 

Pfizer claims the drug reduces hospitalization and death by approximately 90% in high-risk patients when administered within five days of symptoms. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said the investment is another step in keeping people safe. 

Image Credit: rafapress / Shutterstock.com

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