Abbott to Collaborate With Pfizer Inc on Companion Diagnostic Test to Select Patient Candidates for Novel Investigational Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Therapy
DES PLAINES, Ill. and NEW YORK, Aug. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Abbott announced today that it has entered into an agreement with Pfizer Inc to develop a molecular diagnostic test intended to screen non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumors for the presence of gene rearrangements. Pfizer has developed a novel investigational agent that selectively targets cancer-causing genes implicated in the progress of many cancers. To be eligible to receive Pfizer's oral therapy, a particular genetic translocation (rearrangement) known to be found in NSCLC tumors and a wide variety of other cancers, but not in normal cells, must be present.
Under terms of the agreement, Abbott will develop a companion diagnostic test that will determine a patient's genetic status and will be used in patient selection for future clinical trials of PF-02341066.
"We are very pleased to partner with Abbott to develop a companion diagnostic test for non-small cell lung cancer and ensure its global availability for patients and physicians who need this information to make the best treatment decisions," said Garry Nicholson, General Manager, Pfizer Oncology Business Unit. "This test will allow us to focus on the patient population most likely to benefit from our NSCLC candidate. Working in close partnership with the experienced Abbott team, we are confident that we will deliver yet another application of personalized medicine to address a currently unmet medical need in NSCLC."
"Pfizer's novel compound for treating non-small cell lung cancer appears to be ideally suited to individualized therapy," said Stafford O'Kelly, head of Abbott's molecular diagnostics business. "Abbott is a leader in the development and commercialization of companion diagnostics and we're delighted to collaborate with Pfizer, a leader in cancer therapeutics, on the development of a test to identify patients who might benefit from this important compound."
About Abbott Molecular
Abbott's molecular diagnostics business, headquartered in Des Plaines, Ill., provides physicians with critical information based on the early detection of pathogens and subtle changes in patients' genes and chromosomes, allowing for earlier diagnosis, selection of appropriate therapies and monitoring of disease progression. The business includes instruments and reagents used to conduct sophisticated analysis of patient DNA and RNA.
Abbott is a pioneer in the use of molecular tests based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technologies, to aid clinicians in the selection of appropriate therapies. As a global leader in molecular diagnostic development, Abbott has built a strong track record of fostering successful commercial partnerships, including test development and clinical trials to support regulatory submissions and approvals in the United States and Europe.
Additional information is available on Abbott Molecular's website at www.abbottmolecular.com.
About Abbott
Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs more than 72,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.
Abbott's news releases and other information are available on the company's Web site at www.abbott.com.
About Pfizer Oncology
Pfizer Oncology is committed to the discovery, investigation and development of innovative treatment options for cancer patients worldwide. Its robust pipeline consists of 21 biologics and small molecules in clinical development across four scientific platforms - anti-angiogenesis, signal transduction, immuno-oncology, and cytotoxic potentiators.
By working collaboratively with academic institutions, researchers, governments and licensing partners, Pfizer Oncology strives to transform treatment by targeting the right drug for the right patient at the right time.
Pfizer Inc: Working Together for a Healthier World(TM)
Founded in 1849, Pfizer is the world's premier biopharmaceutical company taking new approaches to better health. We discover, develop, manufacture and deliver quality, safe and effective prescription medicines to treat and help prevent disease for both people and animals. We also partner with healthcare providers, governments and local communities around the world to expand access to our medicines, and to provide better quality health care and health system support. At Pfizer, colleagues in more than 90 countries work every day to help people stay happier and healthier longer and to reduce the human and economic burden of disease worldwide.
For more information please visit www.pfizer.com.
PFIZER DISCLOSURE NOTICE:
The information contained in this release is as of August 26, 2009. Pfizer assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this release as the result of new information or future events or developments.
This release contains forward-looking information that involves substantial risks and uncertainties about a product candidate, PF-02341066, including its potential benefits, as well as a collaboration between Pfizer and Abbott to develop a molecular diagnostic test to help select patients who might benefit from such product candidate. Such risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in drug research and development and in the development of molecular diagnostic tests; decisions by regulatory authorities regarding whether and when to approve such molecular diagnostic test and any drug applications may be filed for such product candidate as well as their decisions regarding labeling and other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of such product candidate; and competitive developments.
A further description of risks and uncertainties can be found in Pfizer's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 and in its reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K.
ABBOTT DISCLOSURE NOTICE
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 -- Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
Some statements in this news release may be forward-looking statements for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Abbott cautions that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors that may affect Abbott's operations are discussed in Item 1A, "Risk Factors," to our Annual Report on Securities and Exchange Commission Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2008, and are incorporated by reference. Abbott undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking statements as a result of subsequent events or developments.