Pfizer completes integration of Wyeth research functions

Pfizer has announced the completion of its integration of Wyeth’s research and development functions following the two companies’ merger last year.

The newly-renamed Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development unit will continue to be dedicated to studies of promising vaccines and small and large molecules, while former Wyeth Research and Development head Dr Mikael Dolsten will become its president.

Under the new arrangement, Dr Dolsten, who has previously worked at companies such as Boehringer Ingelheim and AstraZeneca, will lead all of Pfizer’s research and take responsibility for the development of all compounds up to phase II.

Jeffrey Kindler, Pfizer’s chairman and chief executive officer, stated that consolidated leadership is a “natural and progressive step to take at this point” given the history of “strong and steady” collaboration between the former Pfizer and Wyeth research organisations.

Earlier this month, Pfizer announced that it will be looking to reorganise its global pharmaceutical manufacturing network in the coming months as it looks to continue improving efficiency following the Wyeth merger.