Pfizer said it plans to jettison 100 development programs and focus its efforts on developing new therapies in six strategic areas, as well as biologics and vaccines. The company unveiled its plans in the first update on its pipeline since the close of its acquisition of Wyeth.

 

“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, says Martin Mackay, president, Pharma Therapeutics Research and Development. “Our focus now turns to delivery of these health solutions for patients around the world.”

Following the acquisition of Wyeth, the combined company’s pipeline had 600 projects ranging from discovery through registration. The new prioritized portfolio contains about 500 projects across a broad range of diseases, with a focus on key strategic areas, as well as vaccines and biologics. Approximately 70 percent of Pfizer's research projects and 75 percent of the late-stage portfolio are focused on these areas, which include oncology, pain, inflammation, Alzheimer's disease, psychoses, and diabetes.

The growth in vaccines and biologics is reflective of Pfizer's goal of becoming a top-tier biotherapeutics company by 2015, the company said. Its pipeline now includes a total of 6 vaccines and 27 biologics in development, up from 1 vaccine and 16 biologics at the last pipeline update in March 2009.

“Through the acquisition of Wyeth, Pfizer has become a leading biotherapeutics company, and we are well positioned to pioneer the next generation of high-potential medicines,” says Mikael Dolsten, president, BioTherapeutics Research and Development.

 

The new combined company pipeline has 34 new molecular entities and new indications in late-stage development.