Pfizer announces new US research centre

Pfizer is to strengthen its global research infrastructure with the creation of new facilities in the US.

The pharmaceutical company has entered into a ten-year lease agreement with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for more than 180,000 sq ft of space in Cambridge, where a pair of research units will be created.

Operations at these two units will focus on neuroscience and cardiovascular, metabolic and endocrine disease, with the firm expected to expand its workforce ahead of the planned completion of construction in 2013.

Rod MacKenzie, senior vice-president and head of pharmatherapeutics research and development at Pfizer, said this will bolster its capabilities in the creation of new drugs for Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

"This is a very exciting period in Pfizer research and development", he added.

Last month, the company announced a new partnership with UC San Diego Health Sciences, which will further support its ongoing research efforts.