Pfizer invests $46 million in early-stage research companies

Pharma giant Pfizer (NYSE:PFE) said it is pouring in a total of $46 million into four early-stage research companies in a bid to expand its R&D investments.

The first four investments of the newly focused initiative have been given out to BioAlta, NextCure, Cortexyme and 4D Molecular Therapeutics in order to help them fully explore their platforms in the hopes of advancing new therapeutic pathways, the company said in a statement. The idea is to invest in companies at early stages of the discovery process that are actively exploring Conditionally Active Biologics (CABs), immuno-oncology, neurodegenerative technologies and gene therapy.

Mikael Dolsten, president of Pfizer worldwide R&D, said: “There is exciting scientific discovery happening both within Pfizer and beyond our walls, and we look forward to continuing to explore opportunities to bring our resources to emerging companies investigating in areas where we feel we could make a difference for patients.”