Illustrative photo (Source: Getty images)

The voluntary licensing agreement between Pfizer and the MPP will allow the UN-backed group to grant sub-licences to qualified generic drug manufacturers.

Pfizer said the pill cut the chance of hospitalization or death for adults at risk of severe disease by 89% in its clinical trial.

The company has said it expects to manufacture 180,000 treatment courses by the end of next month and at least 50 million courses by the end of 2022.