Industry Update: The latest developments in therapeutic delivery

The present industry update covers the period 16 January–15 February 2011, with information sourced from company press releases, regulatory agencies and patent search engines. The announcement by Pfizer of almost 4000 job losses, the majority in R&D, reflects the current tough business environment of many of the big pharmaceutical companies. Whilst ongoing rationalization of the Pfizer business is necessary post-Wyeth, Pfizer clearly believe a structural change in their innovation model is required in order to enhance productivity and competitiveness, and counteract the financial implications of the expiration of key drug patents. The development and manufacturing agreement reached by Elan and Boehringer Ingelheim looks, on paper at least, to be a positive means of extracting synergies from their complementary business strengths. In terms of early-stage R&D, the designation of orphan drug status to CFAK-C 4 has the potential to achieve real breakthroughs in the treatment of solid tumors and improve the outcomes of patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The present issue also highlights the potential benefits associated with personalized medicines. The idea is not new since it is a key strategy employed in targeting therapeutics; however, greater understanding of disease etiology and improvements in diagnostic testing should provide more opportunity to treat the right patients with the right drug.