Pfizer looks set to triple number of Phase III-stage drug candidates by 2009

World drug giant Pfizer says it looks set to reach its target of tripling the number of drugs in its Phase III-stage portfolio by 2009. Chief executive Jeff Kindler said that, "with the progress we are seeing in our pipeline - as well as our efforts in reducing our attrition rates - we are also continuing to target having a steady stream of new medicines from our internal R&D, four a year, starting in 2011."

According to information released on the company web site, Pfizer now has 99 total programs, with 38 in Phase I, 47 in Phase II, 11 in Phase III and three in registration, awaiting action from regulatory authorities. Three compounds have entered Phase III, 14 have command Phase II and seven are now in Phase I.

Pfizer noted that its Phase II R&D pipeline now includes 47 programs, reflecting the success of its ongoing efforts to increase productivity and reduce attrition at this key phase of development - 14 compounds were added while only four were discontinued.