Pfizer Inc announced plans to build a state-of-the-art clinical research unit here to confirm the safety and action of new medicines.

Over the next two years, Pfizer will invest approximately $35 million to build and equip the new unit in the city's downtown. The 60,000 square-foot facility will include 50 beds and will employ 40-50 staff.

The 2.5 acre site, between Park and Howe streets, is owned by the State of Connecticut, which has identified the area for bioscience investment. Construction is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2003 and the research unit is expected to open in 2005.

At the new unit, healthy volunteers, under very close control, will be given medicines in development during Phase 1 clinical trials. Some studies at the new unit will be undertaken in collaboration with nearby Yale University School of Medicine, a world leader in imaging technology. Using PET (positron emission tomography) and other scanning technology, Yale scientists will be able to track medicines to better understand their action and how they are metabolized in the body.

"Investments like this one are critical to the state's long-term economic health and are one of the reasons we have seen research and development expenditures in Connecticut increase by 139 percent in the past six years," said Connecticut Governor John G. Rowland. "Just as important, this collaboration between Pfizer and Yale University marks yet another milestone in Connecticut's efforts to be recognized worldwide as a 'hot spot' for bioscience companies."

"This is very good news for New Haven, for Yale, for Pfizer and, most importantly, for patients waiting for new treatments," said Pfizer chief executive Hank McKinnell. "We already have a substantial commitment in Connecticut and we are delighted to further contribute to economic development here. We greatly appreciate the support for this project from the State of Connecticut and the City of New Haven. Their partnership has allowed us to bring investment, jobs and cutting-edge science to the heart of this city."

Clinical research is essential to the development of new medicines. At the research unit, healthy volunteers will receive Pfizer medicines that are in development. They will be closely monitored by medical staff, who will use the latest technologies to monitor how these medicines work within the body. Some volunteers will remain at the clinic overnight while sampling and monitoring is completed.

In exchange for Pfizer's investment, the State, through the Office of BioScience, will convey its land to Pfizer. The new facility will be eligible for property tax abatements under the Enterprise Zone program.

"We are happy to welcome Pfizer to New Haven—the biotech capital of Connecticut," said New Haven Mayor John DeStefano Jr. "In the age of new medical technology, biotech companies in the Elm City will continue to find progressive ways to fight disease. We look forward to a long partnership with Pfizer."

"It is great news for Connecticut and New Haven that Pfizer has decided to locate its new clinical research unit in the City. Pfizer had many options for the facility, and we can all take pride in the fact that New Haven proved to be the most attractive one," said Yale University President Richard C. Levin. "Yale strongly supports efforts by the State and City to spur economic development related to scientific research and new technology. We are gratified that Yale's presence at the center of research in the region was an important factor in Pfizer's decision."

As with all pharmaceutical research, safety will be top priority at the new unit. Extensive testing is undertaken in the laboratory before medicines in development are given to human volunteers. All volunteers will be carefully briefed about the medicine and the purpose of the study before they are enrolled. A federally monitored Investigational Review Board will monitor the design and conduct of all trials.

Pfizer invests more than $5 billion each year in its search for new medicines for serious conditions including cancer, infections, inflammation, pain, mental illness and diseases of the nervous system like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.