Pfizer publishes positive phase IV study data for pneumonia drug

Pfizer has published new clinical data that illustrates the effectiveness of its pneumonia drug Zyvox.

The company has completed a phase IV study which assessed the efficacy of the antibiotic in treating patients with nosocomial pneumonia caused by MRSA infection, compared to a common alternative drug.

Data from the international trial showed that Zyvox demonstrated a statistically significantly higher clinical success rate than the control treatment, meeting its primary efficacy endpoint in the study.

Pfizer stated that the body of data supporting Zyvox underlines its importance in combating the increasingly prevalent issue of MRSA-related infections.

Dr Mark Kunkel, executive director and clinical group lead for anti-infective drugs at Pfizer's specialty care business unit, added: "Pfizer is committed to research in infectious diseases."

Earlier this month, Pfizer expanded its product portfolio by agreeing a deal with Asian firm Biocon to obtain global commercialisation rights to a number of biosimilar insulin products for the treatment of diabetes.