Pfizer Inc announced that its agreement with Eisai to provide Aricept to patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease will continue without interruption.

Under this redefined alliance, which resolves a previously disclosed dispute, Pfizer and Eisai will continue to co-promote Aricept in the US, Japan and key markets in Europe, and Pfizer will continue to have an exclusive license to sell Aricept in the other countries where it has rights. Pfizer will maintain its rights in all countries where it currently commercializes Aricept until July 2022, with the exception of Japan. Pfizer will now return the rights to Aricept in Japan, to Eisai on December 31, 2012.

Pfizer and Eisai have also entered into a new agreement effective September 25 to co-promote Lyrica in Japan. Lyrica is under regulatory review in Japan, and assuming approval is granted, this agreement will continue in force until July 2022.

"Our continued partnership with Eisai is a testament to Pfizer's commitment to help patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease," said Jeff Kindler, Pfizer chairman and chief executive officer. "In addition, we look forward to forging a new alliance with Eisai to help treat neuropathic pain with our co-promotion of Lyrica in Japan following regulatory approval."