Oral antiviral pills to treat COVID-19 are fast becoming the new growth frontiers for Chinese pharmaceutical companies and research institutions. A breakthrough has already been made in this regard after the National Medical Products Administration cleared domestic pharmaceutical firm Genuine Biotech's Azvudine oral antiviral pills to treat COVID-19 and temporarily included it in medical insurance reimbursements. According to industry experts, research and development work on oral antivirals for COVID-19 treatment will see further impetus as more Chinese pharmaceutical companies enter the sector.