WuXi PharmaTech, a leading pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device research and development outsourcing company with operations in China and the United States, announced that it has signed a new three-year, in vitro ADME collaboration agreement with Pfizer.

WuXi PharmaTech has enjoyed a close and cooperative relationship with Pfizer for many years, with collaborations ranging from synthetic chemistry, parallel medicinal chemistry (PMC), and ADME to bioanalytical services.

"This new agreement further strengthens our already productive relationship with Pfizer, one of our largest customers for many years, and it is the direct result of our research capability and firm commitment to quality and customer satisfaction," commented Dr. Ge Li, chairman and chief executive officer of WuXi PharmaTech.

Under the new collaboration agreement WuXi PharmaTech in partnership with Pfizer will establish ADME assays to provide in vitro screening services on compounds WuXi PharmaTech synthesizes for Pfizer.

"A high quality and flexible Asia R&D partnership network is critical to Pfizer's emerging market and Asia strategy. We want to build strong relationship with leading Contract Research Organizations such as WuXi PharmaTech to tap into the scientific talents and R&D capabilities in Asia," commented Dr. Steve Yang, vice president and head of Asia R&D at Pfizer.

The evaluation of ADME properties is a key step in the drug discovery and development process. WuXi will evaluate ADME properties for Pfizer compounds with the goal of providing this key information to assist Pfizer scientists to improve the pharmacokinetic properties of their compounds.

WuXi PharmaTech is a leading pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device R&D outsourcing company, with operations in China and the United States. As a research-driven and customer-focused company, WuXi PharmaTech provides pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device companies a broad and integrated portfolio of laboratory and manufacturing services throughout the drug and medical device R&D process.