Pfizer expands research in China

Pfizer is to support fundamental research in China through a joint initiative with the Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences (SIBS). As part of the initiative, Pfizer China will provide US$500,000 each year over three years to fund health-related fundamental research projects at SIBS and its application to drug discovery and development programmes in the country.

This is the latest in a series of Pfizer initiatives aimed at supporting China as it becomes one of the leading contributors to healthcare innovation worldwide. The company has also established a three-year Masters degree in clinical data management and statistical programming at Fudan University.

The first group of students, who will begin classes in September, will study data management and statistical programming. Future students will also be trained in biostatistics, clinical sciences, clinical project management and pharmacovigilance.

According to Jeff Kindler, chief executive of Pfizer, the company is committed to creating and expanding its partnerships in China.

"We believe that making a commitment to both research and training is the most effective way to foster development in China's pharmaceutical industry. The ultimate goal of these efforts is to improve the lives of Chinese citizens by increasing access to new and effective medicines," he said.

Fundamental research, also known as basic research, is generally defined as pure scientific investigation to gain knowledge and understanding about the physical world. While this type of research does not necessarily lead to immediate commercial gain, it has the potential to lead to important new discoveries that ultimately improve healthcare and help save lives.

"Our choice of Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences as a research partner demonstrates our high regard for its scientific expertise and capabilities," said Martin Mackay, president of Pfizer global research and development. "China is increasingly seen as a source for innovative healthcare research, and we are proud of our ongoing investment in the outstanding science and people here." Research projects will be selected and developed jointly by Pfizer and SIBS scientists.

Pfizer's China Research and Development Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that provides global drug development support capabilities, research collaborations, and strategic alliance opportunities to China and the Asian region, is based in Shanghai.

Pfizer began its business operations in China in the 1980s and is now one of the largest multinational pharmaceutical enterprises in the country, with a presence in more than 170 cities nationwide and a total staff more than 4,000.