Pfizer Launches New Research Unit

Pfizer has launched the Regenerative Medicine research unit. According to the company, this independent unit will research the biology of stem cells and the opportunity they provide to discover and develop a new generation of regenerative medicines for major medical needs. The unit will explore the use of stem cells to develop treatments that may prevent disability, repair failing organs and treat degenerative diseases with the goal of delivering new medicinal products using cells as therapeutics.
   
Corey Goodman, Ph.D., president of Pfizer’s Biotherapeutics and Bioinnovation Center, said, “The formation of this new unit represents another key step forward in Pfizer’s commitment to be at the forefront of new approaches in biotherapeutics and bioinnovation and to expand our research efforts and expertise into emerging areas of biomedical science, like regenerative medicine, that have great potential for human health.”
   
The unit will be led by chief scientific officer Ruth McKernan, Ph.D. Dr. McKernan said, “I’m very excited to lead this new research unit. While there is still a lot to understand about how stem cells can be used therapeutically, we believe it is one of the most promising areas of scientific research.”
   
Pfizer Regenerative Medicine will operate as one of the company’s new small, independent research units aimed at bolstering the biotechnology culture and environment. The unit will be co-located in the biotech hubs of Cambridge, UK and Cambridge, MA. It is expected to expand to employ 70 researchers. According to the company, these scientists will operate in small, flexible teams, with the capability to make decisions quickly and effectively. The Cambridge UK site will focus on neural and sensory disorders. The Cambridge, MA site will focus on endocrine and cardiac research.