Pfizer and a United Nations-backed group announced Monday that the drugmaker would let outside companies make its COVID-19 pill. “Pfizer remains committed to bringing forth scientific breakthroughs to help end this pandemic for all people. We believe oral antiviral treatments can play a vital role in reducing the severity of COVID-19 infections, decreasing the strain on our healthcare systems, and saving lives,” Albert Bourla, chairman and CEO of Pfizer, said in a statement. “We must work to ensure that all people—regardless of where they live or their circumstances—have access to these breakthroughs, and we are pleased to be able to work with MPP to further our commitment to equity,” he added, referring to the United Nations-backed Medicines Patent Pool. Charles Gore, executive director of the MPP, said the license is important because the pill, if authorized or approved, “is particularly well-suited for low- and middle-income countries and could play a critical …