Pfizer and ChemRar plan to explore innovative R&D partnership in Russia

Following in the footsteps of Switzerland’s Roche, global drugs behemoth Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Russian pharmaceutical investment and R&D group ChemRar High Tech Center to explore a collaboration focused on research, development and commercialization of innovative drugs in Russia and other countries (The Pharma Letter May 30). The announcement was made during the BIO International Convention in Washington DC, USA.

The two companies will explore opportunities for accelerated development and commercialization 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 health care 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 Program 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 programs designed to achieve clinical candidates and proof of concept in the clinic.