Pfizer boosts pipeline with biotech tissue deal
pharmafile | January 16, 2008 | News story | Research and Development |Â Â Â
Pfizer will partner with German biopharmaceutical company Scil Technology to develop and commercialise a new early-stage biotech treatment for cartilage re-growth.
The technology, known as CD-RAP, is set to bring new treatment options to patients with cartilage diseases like osteoarthritis, and could also be used to repair cartilage damaged in sporting injuries.
Dr Edmund Harrigan, Pfizer's senior vice president worldwide business development, said: "This partnership reflects Pfizer's ongoing commitment to pursue the best science anywhere on the globe and secure novel technologies and products that will complement our existing research programs."
Scil specialises in dental or orthopaedic tissue regeneration and has five products to its portfolio.
The cartilage specific growth factor molecule CD-RAP is nearing its preclinical trial stage and has been shown to play a role during cartilage formation in embryonic development and in adult animals. It is also proven to stimulate growth of cartilage matrix with cartilage cells from osteoarthritis patients.
Under the new agreement, Pfizer will obtain a worldwide exclusive license to develop and commercialize CD-RAP. The deal will see Pfizer will pay out up to $250 million to its new partner in both upfront and milestone payments.






