Pfizer and ChemRar explore r&d partnership in Russia
Collaboration to focus on unmet medical needs in cancer, cardiovascular, CNS and other major therapeutic areas
Pfizer and the Russian pharmaceutical investment and r&d group ChemRar High Tech Center have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore a collaboration focused on r&d and commercialisation of innovative drugs in Russia and other countries.
The two companies will explore opportunities for accelerated development and commercialisation of certain innovative compounds from Pfizer’s pipeline, through technology transfer and out-licensing deals with venture funding. Through this arrangement, Pfizer and ChemRar plan to develop innovative compounds and vaccines to treat patients with cardiometabolic, infectious and oncology diseases, which are a high priority for the Russian Federation healthcare system.
Under the terms of the MoU, the two companies can further collaborate with other potential partners, including the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, the Skolkovo Foundation and other members of the Russian Biopharmaceutical Cluster ‘Northern’, created under the Federal Target Programme of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation. In addition, the companies can establish a shared-risk platform for several Pfizer r&d programmes designed to achieve clinical candidates and proof of concept in the clinic.
‘We see Russia as a potential leader in the innovative pharmaceutical, biotechnological and nano-technological areas,’ said David Simmons, president and general manager, emerging markets and established products, Pfizer. ‘The Pharma 2020 Strategy driven by the Russian Government creates favorable conditions for transition of the Russian pharmaceutical industry to the innovative development model, and Pfizer is excited to be a part of these new opportunities.’
‘Considering the importance of international partnership to our Government’s vision for Russian business, the expertise of leading pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer is very important,’ added Andrey Ivaschenko, Chairman of the Board, ChemRar. ‘Agreements such as this are critical to developing the applied sciences and university research in Russia, within the global market environment.’
