Pfizer announces collaboration with Debiopharm

Pfizer has announced that it plans to work with fellow pharmaceutical organisation Debiopharm to co-develop the investigational compound tremelimumab (CP675206).

The companies will work together to use a biomarker to select patients most likely to respond to treatment using the fully human anti-CTLA4 monoclonal antibody.

It is being investigated for its effectiveness in treating individuals with stage IV melanoma.

As part of the contract, Pfizer will be responsible for the worldwide commercialisation of the therapy, while Debiopharm will conduct phase III trials into tremelimumab.

Garry Nicholson, president and general manager of Pfizer’s oncology business unit, commented: “The continuation of the clinical development of tremelimumab with our partner, Debiopharm, is a demonstration of our commitment to personalised medicine for cancer patients.”

In other Pfizer news, the firm offered an update of its application for Prevnar this month, revealing that, following its submission of a biologics licence application for the compound, the Food and Drug Administration has not yet completed its review of the treatment.