Pfizer 2014 Annual Report Download - page 43

PFIZER ANNUAL REVIEW 2014 www.pzer.com/annual 43
ANNUAL REVIEW 2014
Our Science > Research and Development
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Pfizer and Merck KGaA, Darmstadt,
Germany Forming Global Strategic Alliance in
Immuno-Oncology
Pzer and Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany have agreed to jointly
develop and commercialize avelumab MSB0010718C, an investigational
anti-PD-L1 antibody currently in development as a potential treatment for
multiple types of cancer. This global alliance enables Pzer and Merck
KGaA to combine complementary strengths with the goal of meeting the
needs of patients with multiple types of cancer.
Together, Pzer and Merck KGaA will explore the therapeutic potential
of this novel anti-PD-L1 antibody as a single agent, as well as in various
combinations with Pzer’s and Merck KGaA’s broad portfolios of approved
and investigational oncology therapies. Collaboration on up to 20 high
priority immuno-oncology clinical development programs is expected to
commence in 2015, including up to six trials (Phase 2 or 3) that could be
pivotal for potential product registrations.
Separate from the PD-L1 programs, Pzer and Merck KGaA will also
combine resources and expertise to advance Pzer’s anti-PD-1 antibody
into Phase 1 trials, and have also agreed to co-promote Pzer’s Xalkori®
in the U.S. and several other key markets.
Pfizer’s Centers for Therapeutic Innovation (CTI)
Deepening Connections with Foundations
A unique model for collaboration, CTI is designed to bridge the gap
between early scientic discovery and its translation into new medicines,
with Pzer scientists working side by side with academic researchers.
Currently, it has 27 projects ongoing across six therapeutic areas.
CTI continues to deepen its connection with patient foundations and
patient advocacy groups. In addition to its network of 25 academic
medical centers and its collaboration with the National Institutes of Health,
CTI is working with the following ve not-for-prot foundations:
Alliance for Lupus Research (ALR)
CTI is collaborating with ALR to discover and develop new therapies for
patients living with lupus. As part of this rst-of-its-kind collaboration in
lupus, CTI and ALR jointly support novel translational research projects
driven by leading academic medical centers within the CTI network.
Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF)
With an estimated 5.4 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease
today, CTI teamed up with ADDF in an effort to nd new therapies for
people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. As with its other partners, CTI
collaborates with ADDF to solicit, select and support innovative research
that could lead to a treatment for this disease.
Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America
This collaboration involves the co-funding of research projects that focus
on validated targets in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, the two most
common types of inammatory bowel disease. The collaboration is the
Foundation’s rst joint funding agreement with a pharmaceutical company.
Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR)
The collaboration with FSR is focused on creating novel therapies for
sarcoidosis. FSR is providing guidance and expertise on each research
project. Investigators working in sarcoidosis are encouraged to submit
project proposals to CTI.
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF)
With JDRF, CTI is working to support the development and translation of
promising diabetes research in the elds of immune tolerance, diabetic
nephropathy and beta cell health. Capitalizing on JDRF’s expertise in
the eld of Type-1 diabetes research and CTI’s network of academic
medical centers, the organizations jointly identify, fund and drive promising
research projects.
Watch the Focus on Lupus – Pzer Centers for Therapeutic
Innovation (CTI) video