Pfizer and Merck to work together on marketing new lung cancer drug

Pharmaceutical firms Pfizer and Merck G&A are joining forces to handle the marketing of new lung cancer treatments, it has been announced.

The two companies are coming together as part of a $2.85 billion (1.92 billion pounds) deal, which will focus on the advertising of cancer drugs in the PD-L1 arena.

In particular, Merck has come on board to promote Xalkori, a treatment Pfizer has developed for combating lung cancer. The marketing efforts will be focused on the US, as well as other major markets.

President of Pfizer Oncology Liz Barrett commented: "Through our co-promotion of Xalkori, we will establish a best-in-class global sales organisation that will be exceptionally prepared for the potential launches of our future oncology medicines."

As part of the partnership, Merck will be reimbursed by Pfizer for the cash it spends on the promotional activity, but it will begin sharing profits with the former in 2016, in an 80:20 split.