Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) has confirmed its collaboration with the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), on immunotherapy development. This will be done through a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) and will involve working with NCI’s Center for Cancer Research (CCR) in arranging and conducting preclinical and clinical trials as well as the development of additional programs.
Dr. Jeffrey Schlom, chief of the Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology at CCR will steer the collaborative preclinical and clinical studies alongside Dr. James Gulley, head of the Genitourinary Malignancies Branch at CCR. Senior Vice President and Head of Immuno-oncology Dr. Chris Boshoff in charge of Pfizer Global Product Development will also be among those who will co-lead the study of the three investigational immunotherapies.
It will help in the realization of the full potential of immunotherapy
The agreement to collaborate comes at a time when Pfizer Oncology is aggressively pursuing innovative treatments that could deliver meaningful impact on those living with cancer. Besides, it is also advancing its growth in its immuno-oncology portfolio through a single agent and novel combination studies. While explaining the importance of the collaboration, Boshoff confirmed that it would go a long way in the transformation of the cancer treatment paradigm. It would also help in the realization of what immunotherapy has to offer.
He said, “We are looking forward to combining our expertise with those at the NCI to explore agents targeting the immune system in doublet and triplet combinations. Clinical studies focused on translational endpoints will allow us to optimally develop potential rational combinations.”
Working together towards a healthier world
Pfizer Oncology has a robust pipeline of biologics, small molecules, and immunotherapies. It works collaboratively with governments and licensing partners, individual researchers, cooperative research groups as well as academic institutions to either cure or control a wide range of cancers. Meanwhile, Pfizer’s stock last traded at $32.23, a decline of $0.15 or 0.46%.
