Pfizer Inc named Mikael Dolsten, president of Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, as the company completes its integration of these functions following the Wyeth acquisition. Dr Dolsten previously led Wyeth’s Research and Development organization from May 2008, and after the close of the Wyeth acquisition was named President of Pfizer’s BioTherapeutics Research & Development.
Prior to his appointment at Wyeth, Dr Dolsten held key leadership roles in R&D at Boehringer Ingelheim and AstraZeneca. With this appointment, Dr Dolsten will now lead all of research at Pfizer, as well as development of all compounds through phase-2, or ‘proof of concept.’ Late-stage clinical development will continue to be led by clinical teams throughout the Worldwide Biopharmaceutical Businesses, as announced in April 2009.
“Since closing the Wyeth acquisition we have rapidly advanced integration, completing the pipeline portfolio review, finalizing decisions regarding our R&D network very quickly after close, and steadily
progressing the pipeline. Rapid integration has been enhanced by strong and steady collaboration between the two legacy R&D groups -- making the consolidation under one leader a natural and progressive step to take at this point,” said Jeffrey Kindler, Pfizer’s chairman and chief executive officer.
The newly named Pfizer Worldwide Research & Development organization will maintain an R&D structure that supports excellence in small molecules, large molecules and vaccine research and development. It will include biotherapeutics research and development, focused on large molecules and biotechnologies; pharmatherapeutics research and development, focused on small molecules; and vaccines research and development. Pfizer adopted a novel R&D model following the Wyeth acquisition to foster diversity of talent, assets and culture, as well as the empowerment and accountability of research leaders across R&D.
Pfizer initially implemented this model with a two-division structure (BioTherapeutics and PharmaTherapeutics) to ensure the progress and steady integration of both legacy organizations. Due to the speed and effectiveness of the integration, Pfizer is now able to implement a diversified R&D platform with the same breadth and research programs, under the consolidated leadership of Dr Dolsten.
“Mikael Dolsten is an exceptional scientist who is highly regarded and committed to bringing new preventative measures, treatments and cures to people. Mikael’s scientific expertise, vision for R&D and commercial mindset have distinguished him at Pfizer and uniquely qualify him to lead our R&D colleagues and advance our pipeline. Having all of Pfizer’s research conducted under Mikael’s leadership will enrich the alignment between our research programs and commercial teams to address important unmet medical needs and deliver the next generation of medicines,” said Kindler.
“I am excited to have the opportunity to align the tremendous science that is in every corner of Pfizer to bring forward medicines and vaccines that transform lives,” said Dr Dolsten. “We have great skills in science, we have industry-leading technologies, and I am very proud of our R&D pipeline. I look forward to working with our leaders to advance our effort to become the world’s premier biopharmaceutical R&D group.”
Pfizer also announced the resignation of Martin Mackay, president, PharmaTherapeutics Research & Development, who will leave the company effective immediately. Dr Dolsten will expand the role of Rod MacKenzie, who is currently Senior Vice President and Head of Worldwide Research for PharmaTherapeutics R&D. In addition to his current responsibilities leading small molecule research, Dr MacKenzie will add responsibility for Asia R&D strategy, as well as small molecules pharmaceutical science.
“We thank Martin Mackay for his many accomplishments and greatly appreciate all he has done to help us develop world-class scientists at Pfizer,” added Kindler. “I know Mikael will work closely with Rod and all of our leaders across PharmaTherapeutics and BioTherapeutics to ensure continuity of strategy and progress, as we continue to build our science base at Pfizer,” said Kindler.
“Rod’s ability to transform pharmaceutical research has impressed me tremendously,” said Dr Dolsten. “I am excited he has accepted to take on an expanded new role, and I look forward to a strong partnership to advance Pfizer R&D - and to serve people who rely on science and medicine for healthier and more productive lives.”