Unlike other major companies, Pfizer has successfully counterbalanced the disappointments of its internal R&D with the certainties of other companies' marketable products--first through co-promotions, and later through acquisitions--and its own sales capabilities. But things seem to have changed: by acquiring Pharmacia, Pfizer does as much as it can to assure investors above-average industry growth for the next several years and dilute the impact of the genericization of major products in 2006-7. But the deal also may limit Pfizer's ability to access new late-stage compounds, and thereby hedge the risk that its own pipeline won't produce, as potential licensers evaluate the implications of hooking up with a company which has gobbled up its two most important partners. Instead, Pfizer must depend on M&A to counterbalance risk of R&D failure-but given stronger anti-trust concerns and Pfizer's own breadth of R&D and product line, its acquisition choices will be limited. Nonetheless, with its near-term growth problems settled, Pfizer has created for itself important breathing room unavailable to most of its competitors--and thus greater ability to take advantage of new opportunities that develop.
by Roger Longman
Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on In Vivo for daily insights
Already a subscriber?
Advanced AI is revolutionizing sales enablement by addressing training gaps and performance challenges. Used correctly, it can help to bridge the sales-marketing divide, accelerate ramp-up times and provide managers with data-driven insights.
As the health care industry undergoes a digital transformation, the integration of AI into Quality and Regulatory Management Systems is proving essential. The challenges for successful AI deployment emphasize the need for robust digital infrastructure, data literacy programs and privacy measures to enhance patient safety and commercial performance.
Aurion Biotech is developing a cell therapy for corneal diseases that is cheap enough to produce and can be scaled that it should reach the masses in a way that other cell therapies cannot.
Companies are exploring new mechanisms of action beyond traditional amyloid and tau and both investors and big pharma are willing to make deals when the science is compelling, panelists at Biotech Showcase said.
Ochre Bio co-founder and CSO Quin Wills spoke with In Vivo about the UK-based company's novel approach to finding RNA therapies for chronic liver disease.
As GLP-1 agonists surge to blockbuster status transforming diabetes and obesity treatment, Richard DiMarchi, the pioneering scientist behind their development, recounts the inside story of the drug class in a fireside chat.
João Ribas combines scientific expertise with venture capital at Novo Holdings, applying his dual background to develop biotech investments that connect academic research with commercial opportunity.
