Letter to Pfizer Chairman and CEO Dr. Albert Bourla and Dave Denton, CFO Re: Discontinuation of LUCIRA Molecular At-Home Tests

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Subject: Urgent Concern: Discontinuation of Lucira COVID-19 & Flu Home Tests

Dear Dr. Bourla and Mr. Denton,

We are writing to express deep concern over Pfizer’s imminent discontinuation of the Lucira COVID-19 & Flu Home Test—one of the few molecular home tests available to consumers.

COVID-19 remains an ongoing public health crisis. Based on wastewater data, an estimated 1 in 87 people are currently infectious, about half of whom are asymptomatic and unaware. Hundreds of deaths continue to be reported weekly.

Given the delayed peak SARS-CoV-2 viral loads relative to symptom onset and the limitations of rapid antigen tests, access to PCR-equivalent home testing is essential. Lucira serves as a critical diagnostic tool, especially for those who cannot access clinical PCR testing in time to detect infection and initiate Paxlovid treatment within the crucial five-day window.

In your recent interview with Forbes, you emphasized the stabilization of disease burden and the strong correlation between COVID-19 burden and Paxlovid utilization. You also highlighted Pfizer’s effective commercial model for Paxlovid, which continues to drive physician treatment rates and market share gains. Discontinuing Lucira risks destabilizing this ecosystem by reducing early case detection, potentially lowering Paxlovid prescriptions and limiting timely treatment.

As a global coalition of experts committed to science-based solutions that protect public health, we strongly urge Pfizer to reconsider this decision and ensure continued access to Lucira for current and future customers.

We would welcome the opportunity to discuss this matter further and explore solutions that align with Pfizer’s commitment to public health.

Sincerely,

World Health Network