Pfizer reinforces commitment to rare diseases, creating special research unit

Further confirming its interest in the area of unmet medical needs, global drugs behemoth Pfizer has announced the creation of a new research unit focused on rare diseases. This new unit will significantly expand Pfizer's presence in rare disease research with the goal of discovering novel, life-saving medicines for diseases affecting less than 200,000 patients, the company said.

The decision follows that of another pharmaceutical giant, Britain's GlaxoSmithKline, which in February unveiled plans for a stand-alone rare diseases unit.

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