Prioritized pipeline at 'new' Pfizer marks important milestone for the company's R&D organization

Following its $68 billion acquisition last year of fellow USA-based Wyeth, global drugs behemoth Pfizer yesterday said it will drop testing of roughly 100 investigational drugs from their combined research operations to focus more resources on its priority areas. Pfizer said it will continue with about 500 research projects. About 70% of the firm's research projects and 75% of the late-stage portfolio are focused on these areas.

The new development pipeline, composed of assets from both legacy companies, includes 133 programs from Phase I through registration, and shows growth and increased diversity in each of the areas where the company invests in research and development, Pfizer stated.

'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,' he noted.