Pfizer trying to cure the world

With $51.4 billion in revenues, Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) ranks #101 on 2006 Fortune's Global 500 list. Pfizer remains the world's largest drugmaker, ahead of its competitors Johnson & Johnson #104 with $50.5 billion in revenues; GlaxoSmithKline #143 with $39.4 billion in revenues; Sanofi-Aventis #159 with $35.4 billion in revenues; and Novartis Group #177 with $32.2 billion in revenues.

Also this week, Pfizer bought worldwide exclusive rights to human gene RTP-801 from Quark Biotech Inc., an Israeli biotech firm. Quark Biotech had recently acquired the license to this gene from Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc. Details of Pfizer's deal with Quark Biotech were not made public but could be very lucrative if Pfizer can actually develop a treatment to modify mutations in gene RTP-801, the gene that controls for most cases of blindness in the developed world due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). With an aging baby boomer population, age-related vision problems will increase exponentially. Currently about 15 million Americans age 50+ are affected with AMD. In AMD fluid accummulates behind the retina, eventually resulting in vision loss. There is presently no cure for AMD, but Pfizer currently owns the drug Macugen used to retard the effects of AMD. Pfizer will share with Quark ,and via Quark Alnylam, royalties on any products that actually make it to market to treat and/or cure AMD.

Pfizer is also involved in the eradication of another widespread disease, malaria. Pfizer has joined former President Clinton's Global Initiative to stamp out the leading cause of child mortality in Africa. With a donation of $15 million spread over 5 years, Pfizer is underwriting malaria treatment programs by UNICEF and WHO in Senegal, Ghana and Kenya. Pfizer's recent donation is a continuation of its malaria research program already underway in 10 countries around the world. In addition to anti-malarial drugs, Pfizer is also funding education programs for malaria patients and caregivers.