Pfizer and Zacharon agree rare disease collaboration

Pfizer has allied with Zacharon Pharmaceuticals on a new research collaboration focusing on rare or orphan diseases.

The joint research will utilise Zacharon's innovative drug development platform, which targets specific carbohydrate polymers or glycans, in order to create treatments for conditions such as lysosomal storage disorders.

Zacharon has ascribed the alliance with a potential value of up to $210 million (127.95 million pounds), with the company set to receive upfront payments, research funding and milestone fees from Pfizer.

Dr Ed Mascioli, head of Pfizer's orphan and genetic diseases unit, said the partnership is consistent with its strategy of collaborations in the area of rare diseases.

"Zacharon is an ideal partner and we look forward to working with them to develop treatments for lysosomal storage diseases," he added.

Earlier this week, Pfizer announced the sale of its Capsugel drug delivery business unit to investment firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts for $2.4 billion.