Pfizer and Bristol-Myers Squibb Finalize Worldwide Collaboration on Metabolic Disorders Program

Pfizer Inc. and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company have announced that they have finalized a definitive agreement for the worldwide collaboration to research, develop and commercialize DGAT-1 inhibitors, a collaboration first announced on April 26, 2007.

Pfizer's DGAT- 1 discovery program includes advanced pre-clinical compounds with potential applications for the treatment of metabolic disorders, including obesity and diabetes.

The program also includes DGAT-1 inhibitors in-licensed by Pfizer from Bayer Pharmaceuticals Corporation in June 2006, including a pre-clinical compound (known as PF-04415060 or BAY 74-4113) originally discovered by Bayer.

Under terms of the agreement, Pfizer will be responsible for all research and early-stage development activities for the metabolic disorders program, and the companies will jointly conduct Phase III development and commercialization activities.

"The worldwide incidence of metabolic disorders is increasing rapidly, and complications from diabetes and obesity are leading causes of disability and mortality globally. DGAT-1 inhibitors have shown promise in pre-clinical testing, and this research program has potential to yield several compounds that may improve treatment options for patients," said Elliott Sigal, chief scientific officer and president, Research and Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb.

"This collaboration underscores the company's commitment to investing in research and development, and reflects our strategy to identify partnerships that complement our own research efforts to enhance our innovative pipeline."