Wednesday May 1, 10:45 am Eastern Time
Press Release
SOURCE: Pfizer Inc
California Governor Gray Davis, Pfizer CEO Hank McKinnelland Vice Chairman, John Niblack, Open Major Life Science Research Campus
More Than 1000 Researchers at Pfizer La Jolla Campus Focus on Anti-Virals, Cancer, Diseases of the Eye and Diabetes/Obesity
LA JOLLA, Calif., May 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Citing a new era in California biomedical research, Governor Gray Davis today officially opened what promises to be one of the largest pharmaceutical research centers in the state.
Today employing a total of 1500 people, the new Pfizer La Jolla campus will be a key part of the world's largest privately funded biomedical research operation. Already well known for its work in combating HIV/AIDS, the Pfizer La Jolla site also includes significant research programs for cancer, diseases of the eye, and diabetes/obesity.
The new Pfizer La Jolla campus builds on the impressive success and rapid growth of Agouron Pharmaceuticals, founded in southern California in 1984 and acquired by Pfizer in June, 2000. In 1997, Agouron launched VIRACEPT® the world's top-selling protease inhibitor, used in the treatment of AIDS.
"Building on our state's biotech heritage, Pfizer La Jolla marks a new era in California's support of this vital industry. The therapies developed by the highly skilled researchers of Pfizer La Jolla will advance global public health, a contribution all Californians should be proud of. These are the kind of jobs and Pfizer is the kind of employer we want to nurture and develop," said Governor Davis.
Hank McKinnell, chairman and chief executive officer of Pfizer Inc said, "Pfizer is continuing to make a substantial investment here because of our great colleagues, cutting-edge science and highly attractive West Coast location.
"Under the leadership of Governor Davis, it is clear that the bioscience industry has a welcome home here in California. As the Pfizer La Jolla site clearly shows, there are important and growing linkages between the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. Pfizer La Jolla gives us the best of both worlds: a globally unified biomedical research organization that is closely associated with southern California's vibrant biotech community."
Pfizer is the world's largest pharmaceutical company with the world's largest privately funded biomedical research organization. The company markets eight of the world's 30 best-selling prescription medicines, more than any other company. Pfizer invests more than any other pharmaceutical company on research and development (R&D). In 2002, Pfizer expects to invest more than $5 billion, or an average of $100 million each week, on its search for new medicines.
Since its acquisition of Agouron in June 2000, Pfizer has continued to make significant investments to upgrading and expanding Pfizer La Jolla. The campus is now fully integrated into the company's global Research and Development organization and will become a center of excellence for structure-based drug design and combinatorial chemistry.
At Pfizer La Jolla, more than 1,000 scientists will work in a broad range of Discovery disciplines including: Pharmaceutical Sciences, Analytical Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, X-Ray crystallography, High Throughput Screening. Chromatography, Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics and Metabolism (PDM) and Drug Safety Evaluation.
Pfizer La Jolla comprises eight buildings, which will eventually cover around 800,000 square feet. Three buildings are already occupied and the others will the completed by 2004. In the last two years, Pfizer has invested $155 million at La Jolla.
John F. Niblack, vice chairman of Pfizer Inc and president, Pfizer Global Research & Development, said: "Pfizer La Jolla will continue to build its antiviral expertise for AIDS treatment and, on that foundation, in oncology, and ophthalmology. But we're adding an entire new focus here in mainline metabolic diseases targets, such as diabetes. These join and complement Pfizer's ongoing efforts in this very important therapeutic area."
Dr. Catherine 'Kitty' Mackey, senior vice president of Pfizer Global R&D and site director at La Jolla, said: "We are very proud of our heritage here and extremely excited about the future. The unparalleled scientific resources, as well as the ability to work on diseases that cause so much suffering, make Pfizer La Jolla an important and exciting place to work."
More than 200 guests, representing government, industry, education and the community will attend today's official opening. The VIPs are led by California Governor Gray Davis plus federal, state and county officials.
Pfizer Global Research & Development (PGRD) is headquartered in New London, CT and is the world's largest privately funded biomedical research organization with approximately 12,000 employees worldwide. Pfizer has 94 new compounds in development along with 68 other projects devoted to expanding the use of currently available medicines. The company plans to file 15 new medicines for regulatory approval over the next five years. PGRD's four largest research centers are in: Ann Arbor MI; Groton CT; La Jolla, CA and Sandwich, England.
Dr. McKinnell concluded, "We need many new medicines to address critical challenges to human health and California can be proud that this search is taking place here. But it's important we all understand that success is not guaranteed. The cost of research is enormous and the risks are just as high. Success and tomorrow's medicine depend on a fair, market-based environment that rewards our industry's huge investments."
Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures and markets leading prescription medicines for humans and animals and many of the world's best known consumer brands.
SOURCE: Pfizer Inc |
