Pfizer abandons 100 projects in R&D streamlining

Pfizer abandons 100 projects in R&D streamlining

Published on 28/01/10 at 10:17am



Pfizer has released details of its new consolidated pipeline following its merger with Wyeth, announcing new priority research areas, and the abandonment of 100 less promising projects.
The company says it wants to be the market leader in six areas of research and as well as in the broader fields of vaccines and biologics.
The six key “Invest to Win” therapy areas are: oncology, pain, inflammation, Alzheimer’s disease, psychoses and diabetes.
The company’s pipeline now includes a total of six vaccines and 27 biologics, up from one vaccine and 16 biologics from the previous pipeline update in March 2009.
The company has cut a total of 100 existing projects create its new ‘prioritised portfolio’ with approximately 70% of Pfizer’s research projects and 75% of the late-stage portfolio focused on these areas.
Most of the compounds dropped from development aren’t named but, 13 projects dropped since March last year are identified. This figure is made up of nine phase I molecules, and a further three in phase II. The only phase III project to be dropped is a trial of Sutent in colorectal cancer.
Pfizer also announced that it has withdrawn its supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) to the FDA for Lyrica for the adjunctive treatment of generalised anxiety disorder.
The vaccines and biologics include Prevnar 13, a vaccine designed to prevent pneumococcal disease.
Its new compounds include: tanezumab, a novel injectable biotherapeutic for pain relief; tascoitinib, a potential inhibitor for rheumatoid arthritis; and 30 compounds for various oncology indications.
The growth in vaccines and biologics is reflective of Pfizer’s goal of becoming a top-tier biotherapeutics company by 2015.
“This pipeline of investigational medicines represents the strong future of Pfizer,” said Martin Mackay, president, PharmaTherapeutics Research and Development.
“Since the closing of the Wyeth transaction late last year, we have made strategic decisions about our R&D resources, global footprint and high-priority projects. Our focus now turns to delivery of these health solutions for patients around the world.”
In November, 2009, Pfizer announced that it would reduce its global R&D square footage by 35%.
Consequently, R&D activities will be conducted at five main sites and nine specialised units around the world as compared with 20 R&D sites upon closing the acquisition of Wyeth in October.

Source :
http://www.inpharm.com/news/pfizer-abandons-100-projects-rd-streamlining