"does it seem strange that Pfizer has developed a near similar drug to ABL or has it?  thought we had a patent."

Pfizer is developing an oral COVID-19 protease inhibitor that has already completed Phase 1 trial, is expected to start Phase 2/3 any day, with potential US EUA submission in Q4 2021. Resverlogix is developing an oral BET inhibitor that has shown promising pre-clinical effects for SARS-CoV2/COVID-19 but has yet to start any human clinical trial. Apples and oranges. No patent issue.

Update on Pfizer's drug: https://twitter.com/megtirrell/status/1420342459368882183?s=20

BDAZ