A pill that can be ingested orally at home to combat Covid-19 when illness is first detected could be available to the public by the end of 2021, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla told CNBC, noting that the antiviral treatment is expected to be effective against variants of the virus.

Asked about a story published Monday in the Telegraph, which reported that trials are under way in the U.S. and Belgium with adult volunteers taking pills designed to provide a “cure” for COCID-19, Bourla acknowledged “it is accurate” to say Pfizer is “working on” such therapies.

Bourla explained that the company is testing two antivirals, one that is injected intravenously and another that is administered orally.

He noted Pfizer is focusing on the oral option because it “provides several advantages,” with the major benefit being avoiding a trip to the hospital or another healthcare provider to get the treatment.

Being able to take an oral antiviral therapeutic for SARS-CoV-2 at home would be a “game changer”, according to Bourla.

When asked what he thought was a reasonable time frame for the pill to clear through Phase 3 testing and become available, Bourla responded: “If all goes well . . . I hope by the end of the year”.

He added the company planned to provide a detailed update over the summer.