Pfizer to collaborate with Protalix for Gaucher’s disease therapy

Pfizer and Protalix have announced that they will collaborate to develop and commercialise a Gaucher’s disease treatment.

The therapy in question – taliglucerase alfa – is a plant-cell expressed form of glucocerebrosidase (GCD) that is currently being trialled for its potential to treat Gaucher’s disease.

As part of the agreement, Pfizer will gain the exclusive worldwide rights to license and commercialise the product, while Protalix will retain the rights for Israel.

David Simmons, president and general manager of Pfizer’s established products business unit, stated: “By combining our respective strengths to advance this innovative therapy, Pfizer and Protalix expect to quickly deliver an alternative treatment for people suffering from Gaucher’s disease.”

Meanwhile, Pfizer announced last week that the Food and Drug Administration has approved its treatment Geodon (ziprasidone) for use in patients with bipolar I disorder.

The drug is intended for use as an adjunct to lithium and valproate in adult patients.