Arvinas, Inc. (Nasdaq: ARVN) and Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) today announced they will present updated data related to vepdegestrant (ARV-471) at the 2023 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Breast Cancer Annual Congress. Vepdegestrant is a novel investigational PROTAC ® estrogen receptor (ER) protein degrader that is being jointly developed by Arvinas and Pfizer for the treatment of patients with early and locally advanced or metastatic ER positivehuman epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) negative (ER+HER2-) breast cancer. Four posters will be presented during the poster session at the annual congress, which will be held from May 11-13, 2023, in Berlin, Germany.
January 10, 2022
- Four-year research collaboration combines Pfizer's deep experience in global drug development, including programs utilizing messenger RNA (mRNA), lipid nanoparticles (LNP), and gene therapy, with Beam's leadership in base editing and mRNA/LNP delivery technologies
- Beam will receive an upfront payment of $300 million, be eligible to receive future milestone payments of up to $1.05 billion for a potential total consideration of up to $1.35 billion
- Beam may opt into a global co-development and co-commercialization agreement for one program
- Research and development activities aim to advance potentially transformative therapies for patients living with rare genetic diseases
Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) and Beam Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: BEAM), a biotechnology company developing precision genetic medicines through base editing, today announced an exclusive four-year research collaboration focused on in vivo base editing programs for three targets for rare genetic diseases of the liver, muscle and central nervous system.
The base editing programs to be evaluated as part of the collaboration will leverage Beam's proprietary in vivo delivery technologies, which use messenger RNA (mRNA) and lipid nanoparticles (LNP) to deliver base editors to target organs. Combining these technologies with Pfizer's proven experience in developing and manufacturing medicines and vaccines, this collaboration seeks to advance potentially transformative therapies for patients living with rare diseases.
Beam's proprietary base editing technologies are designed to enable a new class of precision genetic medicines that target a single base in the genome without making a double-stranded break in the DNA. This approach aims to create a more precise and efficient edit compared to traditional gene editing methods, which operate by creating targeted double-stranded breaks in the DNA, resulting in potential challenges associated with unwanted DNA modifications.
"At Pfizer, we believe in the powerful potential of mRNA and LNP technologies to address the greatest unmet needs for patients, as evidenced by the beneficial impact our mRNA/LNP-based COVID-19 vaccine is having on the pandemic," said Mikael Dolsten, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer and President, Worldwide Research, Development and Medical of Pfizer. "We have a strong history in developing gene replacement therapies for rare diseases, and we see this collaboration with Beam as an opportunity to advance the next generation of gene editing therapies – an exciting scientific frontier – potentially leading to transformation for people living with rare genetic diseases."
"We are thrilled to partner with Pfizer, a global leader in the design, development, and commercialization of novel medicines," said John Evans, Chief Executive Officer of Beam. "Our leading platform for precision genetic medicine has greatly evolved over the last few years, and we are committed to ensuring the broadest reach of these potentially life-changing technologies. This collaboration will provide a unique opportunity to create potentially transformative base editing programs for indications with critical unmet needs, leveraging our proprietary base editing technology and expanding delivery capabilities. We look forward to working together with Pfizer to advance these technologies and potentially expand our impact for people suffering from serious diseases."
Under the terms of the collaboration agreement, Beam will conduct all research activities through development candidate selection for three undisclosed targets, which are not included in Beam's existing programs. Pfizer may opt in to exclusive, worldwide licenses to each development candidate, after which it will be responsible for all development activities, as well as potential regulatory approvals and commercialization, for each such candidate. Beam has a right to opt in, at the end of Phase 1/2 studies, upon the payment of an option exercise fee, to a global co-development and co-commercialization agreement with respect to one program licensed under the collaboration pursuant to which Pfizer and Beam would share net profits as well as development and commercialization costs in a 65%/35% ratio (Pfizer/Beam).
Beam will receive an upfront payment of $300 million and, assuming Pfizer exercises its opt-in license rights for all three targets, is eligible for development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments for potential total deal consideration of up to $1.35 billion. Beam is also eligible to receive royalties on global net sales for each licensed program. The collaboration has an initial term of four years and may be extended up to one additional year.
About Pfizer: Breakthroughs That Change Patients' Lives
At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacture of health care products, including innovative medicines and vaccines. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world's premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For more than 170 years, we have worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. We routinely post information that may be important to investors on our website at www.Pfizer.com . In addition, to learn more, please visit us on www.Pfizer.com and follow us on Twitter at @Pfizer and @Pfizer News , LinkedIn , YouTube and like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Pfizer .
Pfizer Disclosure Notice
The information contained in this release is as of January 10, 2022. Pfizer assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this release as the result of new information or future events or developments.
This release contains forward-looking information about the potential of mRNA and LNP technology and a research collaboration between Pfizer and Beam focused on in vivo base editing programs for three targets for rare genetic diseases of the liver, muscle, and central nervous system, including their potential benefits, that involves substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including the ability to meet anticipated clinical endpoints, commencement and/or completion dates for clinical trials, regulatory submission dates, regulatory approval dates and/or launch dates, as well as the possibility of unfavorable new clinical data and further analyses of existing clinical data; the risk that clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and assessments by regulatory authorities; whether regulatory authorities will be satisfied with the design of and results from our clinical studies; whether and when any applications may be filed for any drug or vaccine candidates in any jurisdictions; whether and when regulatory authorities may approve any potential applications that may be filed for any drug or vaccine candidates in any jurisdictions, which will depend on myriad factors, including making a determination as to whether the product's benefits outweigh its known risks and determination of the product's efficacy and, if approved, whether any such drug or vaccine candidates will be commercially successful; decisions by regulatory authorities impacting labeling, manufacturing processes, safety and/or other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of any drug or vaccine candidates; whether the collaboration between Pfizer and Beam will be successful; uncertainties regarding the impact of COVID-19 on Pfizer's business, operations and financial results; and competitive developments.
A further description of risks and uncertainties can be found in Pfizer's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 and in its subsequent reports on Form 10-Q, including in the sections thereof captioned "Risk Factors" and "Forward-Looking Information and Factors That May Affect Future Results", as well as in its subsequent reports on Form 8-K, all of which are filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov and www.pfizer.com .
About Beam Therapeutics
Beam Therapeutics (Nasdaq: BEAM) is a biotechnology company committed to establishing the leading, fully integrated platform for precision genetic medicines. To achieve this vision, Beam has assembled a platform that includes a suite of gene editing and delivery technologies and is in the process of building internal manufacturing capabilities. Beam's suite of gene editing technologies is anchored by base editing, a proprietary technology that enables precise, predictable and efficient single base changes, at targeted genomic sequences, without making double-stranded breaks in the DNA. This enables a wide range of potential therapeutic editing strategies that Beam is using to advance a diversified portfolio of base editing programs. Beam is a values-driven organization committed to its people, cutting-edge science, and a vision of providing life-long cures to patients suffering from serious diseases.
Beam Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements related to the potential benefits of our collaboration with Pfizer, any future payments we may receive under our research collaboration agreement with Pfizer, the therapeutic applications and potential of our technology, including our ability to deliver base editors to target organs in and beyond the liver and our ability to develop life-long, curative, precision genetic medicines for patients through base editing. Each forward-looking statement is subject to important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statement, including, without limitation, risks and uncertainties related to: our ability to develop, obtain regulatory approval for, and commercialize our product candidates, which may take longer or cost more than planned; our ability to raise additional funding, which may not be available; our ability to obtain, maintain and enforce patent and other intellectual property protection for our product candidates; the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; that preclinical testing of our product candidates and preliminary or interim data from preclinical studies and clinical trials may not be predictive of the results or success of ongoing or later clinical trials; that enrollment of our clinical trials may take longer than expected; that our product candidates may experience manufacturing or supply interruptions or failures; risks related to competitive products; and the other risks and uncertainties identified under the headings "Risk Factors Summary" and "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2021 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, and in any subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law.
Contacts:
Pfizer:
Media Relations
+1 (212) 733-1226
PfizerMediaRelations@pfizer.com
Investor Relations
+1 (212) 733-4848
IR@pfizer.com
Beam:
Investors:
Chelcie Lister
THRUST Strategic Communications
chelcie@thrustsc.com
Media:
Dan Budwick
1AB
dan@1abmedia.com
News Provided by GlobeNewswire via QuoteMedia
PFE
The Conversation (0)
08 May 2023
Arvinas and Pfizer Announce Upcoming Vepdegestrant Poster Presentations at the 2023 European Society for Medical Oncology Breast Cancer Annual Congress
Poster session details are as follows:
Date: Friday, May 12, 2023
Time: 12:15 – 1:00 p.m. CET/ 6:15 – 7:00 a.m. ET
- VERITAC update: phase 2 study of ARV-471, a PROteolysis TArgeting Chimera (PROTAC) estrogen receptor (ER) degrader in ER+/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)- advanced breast cancer (Poster 205P)
- VERITAC-2: a global, randomized phase 3 study of ARV-471, a PROteolysis TArgeting Chimera (PROTAC) estrogen receptor (ER) degrader, vs fulvestrant in ER+/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)- advanced breast cancer (Poster 257TiP)
- TACTIVE-N: open-label, randomized, noncomparative neoadjuvant phase 2 study of ARV-471, a PROteolysis TArgeting Chimera (PROTAC) estrogen receptor (ER) degrader, or anastrozole in postmenopausal women with ER+/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)- localized breast cancer (Poster 154TiP)
- TACTIVE-E: phase 1b study of ARV-471, a PROteolysis TArgeting Chimera (PROTAC) estrogen receptor (ER) degrader, in combination with everolimus in ER+/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)- advanced breast cancer (Poster 256TiP)
For more information, visit the official ESMO Breast Cancer Annual Congress website here .
About vepdegestrant ( ARV-471)
Vepdegestrant is an investigational, orally bioavailable PROTAC ® protein degrader designed to specifically target and degrade the estrogen receptor (ER) for the treatment of patients with early and locally advanced or metastatic ER positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) negative (ER+/HER2-) breast cancer. Use of vepdegestrant in the ongoing and planned clinical trials will continue to monitor and evaluate patient safety and anti-tumor activity.
In preclinical studies, vepdegestrant demonstrated up to 97% ER degradation in tumor cells, induced robust tumor shrinkage when dosed as a single agent in multiple ER-driven xenograft models, and showed increased anti-tumor activity when compared to a standard of care agent, fulvestrant, both as a single agent and in combination with a CDK4/6 inhibitor. In July 2021, Arvinas announced a global collaboration with Pfizer for the co-development and co-commercialization of vepdegestrant; Arvinas and Pfizer will equally share worldwide development costs, commercialization expenses, and profits.
About Arvinas
Arvinas is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to improving the lives of patients suffering from debilitating and life-threatening diseases through the discovery, development, and commercialization of therapies that degrade disease-causing proteins. Arvinas uses its proprietary PROTAC ® Discovery Engine platform to engineer proteolysis targeting chimeras, or PROTAC ® targeted protein degraders, that are designed to harness the body's own natural protein disposal system to selectively and efficiently degrade and remove disease-causing proteins. In addition to its robust preclinical pipeline of PROTAC ® protein degraders against validated and "undruggable" targets, the company has three investigational clinical-stage programs in development: bavdegalutamide and ARV-766 for the treatment of men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer; and vepdegestrant (ARV-471) for the treatment of patients with early and locally advanced or metastatic ER positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) negative (ER+/HER2-) breast cancer. For more information, visit www.arvinas.com .
Arvinas Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding the potential benefits of our arrangements with our collaborative partnership with Pfizer, the development and regulatory status of our product candidates, such as statements with respect to our lead product candidates, ARV-110, ARV-471 and ARV-766 and other candidates in our pipeline, and the timing of clinical trials and data from those trials and plans for registration for our product candidates, and our discovery programs that may lead to our development of additional product candidates, the potential utility of our technology and therapeutic potential of our product candidates, the potential commercialization of any of our product candidates. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, contained in this press release, including statements regarding our strategy, future operations, prospects, plans and objectives of management, are forward-looking statements. The words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "might," "plan," "predict," "project," "target," "potential," "will," "would," "could," "should," "continue," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words.
We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements we make as a result of various risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to: whether we and Pfizer will be able to successfully conduct and complete clinical development for ARV-471, whether we will be able to successfully conduct Phase 1/2 clinical trials for ARV-110 and ARV-766, initiate and complete other clinical trials for our product candidates, and receive results from our clinical trials on our expected timelines, or at all and other important factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" sections contained in our quarterly and annual reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release reflect our current views with respect to future events, and we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any date subsequent to the date of this release.
About Pfizer Oncology
At Pfizer Oncology, we are committed to advancing medicines wherever we believe we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of people living with cancer. Today, we have an industry-leading portfolio of 24 approved innovative cancer medicines and biosimilars across more than 30 indications, including breast, genitourinary, colorectal, blood and lung cancers, as well as melanoma.
About Pfizer: Breakthroughs That Change Patients' Lives
At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacture of health care products, including innovative medicines and vaccines. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world's premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For more than 170 years, we have worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. We routinely post information that may be important to investors on our website at www.Pfizer.com. In addition, to learn more, please visit us on www.Pfizer.com and follow us on Twitter at @Pfizer and @Pfizer News, LinkedIn, YouTube and like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Pfizer.
Pfizer Disclosure Notice:
The information contained in this release is as of May 8, 2023. Pfizer assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this release as the result of new information or future events or developments.
This release contains forward-looking information about vepdegestrant (ARV-471) and a global collaboration between Pfizer and Arvinas to develop and commercialize ARV-471, including their potential benefits, that involves substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including the ability to meet anticipated clinical endpoints, commencement and/or completion dates for clinical trials, regulatory submission dates, regulatory approval dates and/or launch dates, as well as the possibility of unfavorable new clinical data and further analyses of existing clinical data; the risk that clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and assessments by regulatory authorities; whether regulatory authorities will be satisfied with the design of and results from the clinical studies; whether and when any applications may be filed for ARV-471 for any potential indications in any jurisdictions; whether and when regulatory authorities may approve any potential applications that may be filed for ARV-471 in any jurisdictions, which will depend on myriad factors, including making a determination as to whether the product's benefits outweigh its known risks and determination of the product's efficacy and, if approved, whether ARV-471 will be commercially successful; decisions by regulatory authorities impacting labeling, manufacturing processes, safety and/or other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of ARV-471; whether the collaboration between Pfizer and Arvinas will be successful; uncertainties regarding the impact of COVID-19 on Pfizer's business, operations and financial results; and competitive developments.
A further description of risks and uncertainties can be found in Pfizer's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 and in its subsequent reports on Form 10-Q, including in the sections thereof captioned "Risk Factors" and "Forward-Looking Information and Factors That May Affect Future Results", as well as in its subsequent reports on Form 8-K, all of which are filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov and www.Pfizer.com.
Arvinas Media Contacts
Investor Contact:
Jeff Boyle, Arvinas Investor Relations
347-247-5089
Jeff.Boyle@arvinas.com
Media Contact:
Kirsten Owens, Arvinas Communications
203-584-0307
Kirsten.Owens@arvinas.com
Pfizer Media Contacts
Investor Contact:
+1 (212) 733-4848
IR@pfizer.com
Media Contact:
+1 (212) 733-1226
PfizerMediaRelations@pfizer.com
News Provided by GlobeNewswire via QuoteMedia
Keep reading...Show less
02 May 2023
Pfizer Reports First-Quarter 2023 Results
- First-Quarter 2023 Revenues of $18.3 Billion
- Expected Decline in Comirnaty (1) Revenue Drove 26% Operational Decrease in First-Quarter 2023 Revenues
- First-Quarter 2023 Revenues from Comirnaty (1) and Paxlovid of $7.1 Billion
- Excluding Contributions from Comirnaty (1) and Paxlovid, Revenues Grew 5% Operationally
- First-Quarter 2023 Reported Diluted EPS (2) of $0.97, a Year-Over-Year Decline of 29%, and Adjusted Diluted EPS (3) of $1.23, a Year-Over-Year Decline of 24%
- Pfizer Reaffirms Full-Year 2023 Financial Guidance (4)
- Pfizer Continued to Make Significant Progress Toward an Unprecedented Number of Anticipated New Product and Indication Launches; Milestones Include FDA Approvals for Zavzpret, Cibinqo for Adolescents and Prevnar 20 in Pediatric Patients
Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) reported financial results for the first quarter of 2023 and reaffirmed full-year 2023 financial guidance.
The first-quarter 2023 earnings presentation and accompanying prepared remarks from management as well as the quarterly update to Pfizer's R&D pipeline can be found at www.pfizer.com .
EXECUTIVE COMMENTARY
Dr. Albert Bourla, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated: "This is an exciting time for Pfizer as we are already executing on and rigorously planning for an unprecedented number of anticipated new product and indication launches, most of which are expected to occur in the second half of 2023. We have made excellent progress toward this goal already this year with the U.S. approvals for Zavzpret, Cibinqo for adolescents and Prevnar 20 in pediatric patients, and regulatory filing acceptances for a Braftovi + Mektovi sNDA, sNDA for the Talzenna and Xtandi combination, elranatamab BLA and our RSV maternal vaccine candidate — which, if approved, would be the first vaccine for administration to pregnant individuals to help protect against the complications of RSV disease in infants from birth up to six months of age.
During the first quarter, we announced plans to advance the battle against cancer with a definitive agreement to acquire Seagen, a global biotechnology company that discovers, develops and commercializes transformative oncology medicines. By combining Seagen's category-leading antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology with Pfizer's scale, expertise and capabilities, we believe we can accelerate breakthroughs in cancer medicines and introduce new solutions to patients around the world. Oncology remains a core therapeutic area for Pfizer, and we believe the proposed acquisition will enhance our position in this important space.
We believe the strength of our in-line products and expected near-term launches and revenue contribution from business development activities, including the proposed acquisition of Seagen, will position Pfizer to deliver robust operational growth through 2025 and beyond."
David Denton, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, stated: "Our first-quarter results were in line with our expectations, underlining our continued confidence in achieving 7% to 9% operational revenue growth for fiscal-year 2023, excluding our COVID-19 products and anticipated foreign exchange impacts. We expect the majority of this growth to occur in the second half of 2023, given the timing of our expected near-term launches. Integration planning for our proposed acquisition of Seagen is underway, and we continue to expect the transaction to close in late 2023 or early 2024, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. As we de-lever our capital structure after the close, we expect our strong balance sheet will continue to provide the flexibility for future dividend increases and share repurchase activity, as well as additional business development activity."
Results for the first quarter of 2023 and 2022 (5) are summarized below.
OVERALL RESULTS
($ in millions, except per share amounts) | First-Quarter | |||||
2023 | 2022 | Change | ||||
Revenues | $ 18,282 | $ 25,661 | (29%) | |||
Reported Net Income (2) | 5,543 | 7,864 | (30%) | |||
Reported Diluted EPS (2) | 0.97 | 1.37 | (29%) | |||
Adjusted (3) Income | 7,036 | 9,338 | (25%) | |||
Adjusted (3) Diluted EPS | 1.23 | 1.62 | (24%) | |||
REVENUES
($ in millions) | First-Quarter | |||||||
2023 | 2022 | % Change | ||||||
Total | Oper. | |||||||
Global Biopharmaceuticals Business (Biopharma) (6) | $ 17,971 | $ 25,323 | (29%) | (26%) | ||||
Primary Care (6) | 11,505 | 18,851 | (39%) | (37%) | ||||
Specialty Care (6) | 3,612 | 3,505 | 3% | 8% | ||||
Oncology (6) | 2,855 | 2,967 | (4%) | (1%) | ||||
Business Innovation | $ 310 | $ 338 | (8%) | (5%) | ||||
TOTAL REVENUES | $ 18,282 | $ 25,661 | (29%) | (26%) | ||||
Beginning in the third quarter of 2022, Pfizer made several organizational changes to further transform its operations to better leverage its expertise in certain areas and in anticipation of potential future new product and indication launches. These changes included establishing a new commercial structure within Biopharma focused on three broad customer groups (primary care, specialty care and oncology) (6) , optimizing Pfizer's end-to-end R&D operations and further prioritizing its internal R&D portfolio, as well as realigning certain enabling and platform functions across the organization to ensure alignment with this new operating structure.
In addition, in the first quarter of 2023, Pfizer established an operating segment named Business Innovation that includes Pfizer CentreOne (PC1), the company's global contract development and manufacturing organization and a leading supplier of specialty active pharmaceutical ingredients; and Pfizer Ignite, a recently launched offering that provides strategic guidance and end-to-end R&D services to select innovative biotech companies that align with Pfizer's R&D focus areas.
Prior period amounts have been revised to conform to the current period presentation for all changes discussed above.
Some amounts in this press release may not add due to rounding. All percentages have been calculated using unrounded amounts. References to operational variances pertain to period-over-period changes that exclude the impact of foreign exchange rates (7) .
CAPITAL ALLOCATION
During the first three months of 2023, Pfizer deployed its capital in a variety of ways, which primarily include the following two categories:
- Reinvesting capital into initiatives intended to enhance the future growth prospects of the company, including $2.5 billion invested in internal research and development projects, and
- Returning capital directly to shareholders through $2.3 billion of cash dividends, or $0.41 per share of common stock.
No share repurchases have been completed to date in 2023. As of May 2, 2023, Pfizer's remaining share repurchase authorization is $3.3 billion. Current financial guidance does not anticipate any share repurchases in 2023.
First-quarter 2023 diluted weighted-average shares outstanding used to calculate Reported (2) and Adjusted (3) diluted EPS were 5,727 million shares, a decrease of 31 million shares compared to the prior-year quarter, primarily due to shares repurchased in the first quarter of 2022, partially offset by shares issued for employee compensation programs.
2023 FINANCIAL GUIDANCE (4)
Pfizer reaffirms all components of its full-year 2023 financial guidance, which is presented below. This guidance includes management's expectations for contributions from the entire company, including Comirnaty (1) and Paxlovid.
2023 Financial Guidance | ||
Revenues* | $67.0 to $71.0 billion | |
Operational (7) Growth/(Decline) vs. Prior Year | (33%) to (29%) | |
Growth/(Decline) vs. Prior Year | (33%) to (29%) | |
Adjusted (3) Diluted EPS* | $3.25 to $3.45 | |
Operational (7) Growth/(Decline) vs. Prior Year | (50%) to (47%) | |
Growth/(Decline) vs. Prior Year | (51%) to (48%) | |
*Changes in foreign exchange rates have had a minimal incremental impact since full-year 2023 guidance was issued. Please refer to Press Release Footnote (4) for additional information.
The midpoint of the guidance range for revenues reflects a 31% operational decrease compared to 2022 revenues. Company revenues are anticipated to be lower in 2023 than in 2022 due entirely to expected revenue declines for Pfizer's COVID-19 products.
Excluding COVID-19 products, the Company continues to expect 7% to 9% operational revenue growth in 2023.
Revenue guidance for Pfizer's COVID-19 products is as follows:
- Comirnaty (1) revenues of approximately $13.5 billion, down 64% from 2022 results.
- Paxlovid revenues of approximately $8 billion, down 58% from 2022 results.
- In contrast to previous years, guidance for both products is no longer based primarily on expected deliveries under existing signed or committed supply contracts, but now also includes, among other things, anticipated sales through traditional commercial markets in the U.S. in the second half of 2023.
The midpoint of the guidance range for Adjusted (3) diluted EPS reflects a 49% operational decrease compared to 2022, primarily driven by anticipated lower revenues from COVID-19 products, higher spending to support anticipated near-term launches and greater investment in certain late-stage pipeline projects.
Financial guidance for Adjusted (3) diluted EPS is calculated using approximately 5.75 billion weighted average shares outstanding, and assumes no share repurchases in 2023.
Other components of Pfizer's 2023 financial guidance are presented below.
Adjusted (3) Cost of Sales as a Percentage of Revenues | 28.0% to 30.0% |
Adjusted (3) SI&A Expenses | $13.8 to $14.8 billion |
Adjusted (3) R&D Expenses | $12.4 to $13.4 billion |
Acquired IPR&D Expenses (4) | Approximately $0.1 billion |
Adjusted (3) Other (Income)/Deductions | Approximately $1.5 billion of income |
Effective Tax Rate on Adjusted (3) Income | Approximately 15.0% |
Pfizer's 2023 financial guidance is based on estimates and assumptions that are subject to significant uncertainties, particularly with regard to the anticipated performance of Comirnaty (1) and Paxlovid. See the Overview of Our Performance, Operating Environment, Strategy and Outlook — The Global Economic Environment section of Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Pfizer's 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K and Pfizer's fourth-quarter 2022 earnings press release (available at www.pfizer.com ) for additional information.
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (First-Quarter 2023 vs. First-Quarter 2022)
First-quarter 2023 revenues totaled $18.3 billion, a decrease of $7.4 billion, or 29%, compared to the prior-year quarter, reflecting an operational decline of $6.6 billion, or 26%, primarily due to a decrease in Comirnaty (1) revenues globally, as well as an unfavorable impact of foreign exchange of $730 million, or 3%. First-quarter 2023 revenues from Comirnaty (1) and Paxlovid were $7.1 billion. Excluding contributions from Comirnaty (1) and Paxlovid, company revenues grew $563 million, or 5%, operationally.
Compared to the prior-year quarter, first-quarter 2023 revenue growth was unfavorably impacted by approximately 1% as a result of having one fewer selling day in international markets. This unfavorable impact is expected to reverse in the fourth quarter of 2023.
First-quarter 2023 Comirnaty (1) revenues declined $10 billion, or 75%, operationally compared with the prior-year quarter, largely driven by lower contracted deliveries and demand in international markets, as well as lower U.S. government contracted deliveries with anticipated transition to traditional commercial market sales in the second half of 2023.
First-quarter Paxlovid revenues increased $2.8 billion compared with the prior-year quarter, primarily driven by favorable timing of final delivery associated with the U.S. government contract before anticipated transition to traditional commercial markets in the second half of 2023; strong demand in China due to increased COVID-19 infections; and launch in certain international markets.
Excluding contributions from Comirnaty (1) and Paxlovid, first-quarter 2023 operational growth was primarily driven by:
- Recently acquired products, Nurtec ODT/Vydura and Oxbryta, which contributed $167 million and $71 million in global revenues, respectively;
- Sulperazon internationally, up 64% operationally, largely driven by demand in China, which is not expected to be sustained;
- Eliquis globally, up 7% operationally, driven primarily by continued oral anti-coagulant adoption and market share gains in the non-valvular atrial fibrillation indication in the U.S. and certain markets in Europe, partially offset by declines due to loss of exclusivity and generic competition in certain international markets; and
- Vyndaqel family (Vyndaqel, Vyndamax, Vynmac) globally, up 16% operationally, largely driven by continued strong uptake of the transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) indication, primarily in the U.S. and developed Europe, partially offset by a planned price decrease that went into effect in Japan in the second quarter of 2022,
partially offset primarily by lower revenues for:
- Xeljanz globally, down 33% operationally, driven primarily by lower net price in the U.S. due to unfavorable changes in channel mix, as well as decreased prescription volumes worldwide resulting from ongoing shifts in prescribing patterns related to label changes.
GAAP Reported (2) Income Statement Highlights
SELECTED REPORTED COSTS AND EXPENSES (2)
($ in millions) | First-Quarter | |||||||||
2023 | 2022 | % Change | ||||||||
Total | Oper. | |||||||||
Cost of Sales (2) | $ 4,886 | $ 9,984 | (51%) | (50%) | ||||||
Percent of Revenues | 26.7 | % | 38.9 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||
SI&A Expenses (2) | 3,418 | 2,593 | 32% | 35% | ||||||
R&D Expenses (2) | 2,505 | 2,301 | 9% | 10% | ||||||
Acquired IPR&D Expenses (2) | 21 | 355 | (94%) | (94%) | ||||||
Other (Income)/Deductions––net (2) | 70 | 350 | (80%) | (71%) | ||||||
Effective Tax Rate on Reported Income (2) | 11.4 | % | 12.9 | % | ||||||
First-quarter 2023 Cost of Sales (2) as a percentage of revenues decreased by 12.2 percentage points compared with the prior-year quarter, primarily driven by changes in sales mix, including lower sales of Comirnaty (1) and higher sales of Paxlovid.
First-quarter 2023 SI&A Expenses (2) increased 35% operationally compared with the prior-year quarter, primarily reflecting increased investments to support Paxlovid, recently acquired and launched products, and products across multiple customer groups.
First-quarter 2023 R&D Expenses (2) increased 10% operationally compared with the prior-year quarter, primarily driven by increased investments to develop recently acquired assets and certain vaccine programs, as well as activities to support upcoming product launches, partially offset by lower spending on programs to prevent and treat COVID-19 and certain other late-stage clinical programs.
First-quarter 2023 acquired IPR&D Expenses (2) decreased 94% operationally compared to the prior-year quarter, primarily driven by the non-recurrence of an upfront payment to Biohaven Pharmaceutical Holding Company Ltd. (Biohaven) and a premium paid on Pfizer's equity investment in Biohaven, as well as a premium paid on Pfizer's equity investment in BioNTech SE (BioNTech) to develop a potential mRNA vaccine against shingles — both recorded in the first quarter of 2022.
Other deductions––net (2) decreased 71% operationally in the first quarter of 2023 compared with the first quarter of 2022, primarily driven by lower net losses on equity securities, higher dividend income and lower net interest expense, partially offset by asset impairment charges in the first quarter of 2023, and lower net periodic benefit credits associated with pension and postretirement plans.
Pfizer's effective tax rate on Reported income (2) for the first quarter of 2023 decreased compared to the prior-year quarter primarily due to a favorable change in the jurisdictional mix of earnings.
Adjusted (3) Income Statement Highlights
SELECTED ADJUSTED (3) COSTS AND EXPENSES
($ in millions) | First-Quarter | |||||||||
2023 | 2022 | % Change | ||||||||
Total | Oper. | |||||||||
Adjusted (3) Cost of Sales | $ 4,746 | $ 9,958 | (52%) | (51%) | ||||||
Percent of Revenues | 26.0 | % | 38.8 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||
Adjusted (3) SI&A Expenses | 3,350 | 2,496 | 34% | 37% | ||||||
Adjusted (3) R&D Expenses | 2,491 | 2,295 | 9% | 10% | ||||||
Adjusted (3) Other (Income)/Deductions––net | (528 | ) | (406 | ) | 30% | 23% | ||||
Effective Tax Rate on Adjusted (3) Income | 14.0 | % | 14.8 | % | ||||||
Reconciliations of certain Reported (2) to non-GAAP Adjusted (3) financial measures and associated footnotes can be found in the financial tables section of the press release located at the hyperlink below.
RECENT NOTABLE DEVELOPMENTS (Since January 31, 2023)
Product Developments
- Braftovi (encorafenib) and Mektovi (binimetinib) – In April 2023, Pfizer announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) accepted for review the supplemental New Drug Applications (sNDAs) for Braftovi + Mektovi for patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with a BRAF V600E mutation, as detected by an FDA-approved test. The Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) goal date for a decision by the FDA is in the fourth quarter of 2023 for the sNDAs.
- Cibinqo (abrocitinib) – In February 2023, Pfizer announced the FDA approved an sNDA for Cibinqo, expanding its indication to include adolescents (12 to
- Comirnaty (COVID-19 vaccine, mRNA) (8)
- Regulatory Developments
- In April 2023, the FDA amended the emergency use authorization (EUA) of the Pfizer-BioNTech Omicron BA.4/BA.5-adapted bivalent COVID-19 vaccine to simplify the vaccination schedule for most individuals. This action included authorizing the bivalent vaccine to be used for all doses administered to individuals six months of age and older, including for an additional dose or doses for certain populations such as older adults and the immunocompromised. The monovalent Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is no longer authorized for emergency use in the U.S.
- In March 2023, Pfizer and BioNTech announced the FDA granted EUA to provide a single 3-µg booster dose of the companies' Omicron BA.4/BA.5-adapted bivalent COVID-19 vaccine in children six months through four years of age (also referred to as under five years of age) at least two months after completion of primary vaccination with three doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine [Original]. Simultaneously, the FDA authorized the bivalent vaccine in this age group as the third dose of a three-dose primary series. The companies have submitted an application to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to extend the Omicron BA.4/BA.5-adapted bivalent vaccine's marketing authorization (MA) to include use in children six months through four years of age as both primary series (all three doses) and booster vaccination (fourth dose).
- In February 2023, Pfizer and BioNTech announced the submission of a supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) to the FDA for approval of the companies' Omicron BA.4/BA.5-adapted bivalent COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent (Original and Omicron BA.4/BA.5)) as a primary series and booster dose(s) for individuals 12 years of age and older. The companies have also submitted an application to the EMA for a variation of the MA to include the bivalent vaccine as a primary course of vaccination in individuals five years of age and older. In the European Union, the bivalent vaccine was previously granted full MA for administration as a booster dose in individuals five years of age and older.
- Regulatory Developments
- Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir [PF-07321332] tablets and ritonavir tablets) (8) – In March 2023, Pfizer announced the FDA's Antimicrobial Drugs Advisory Committee (AMDAC) voted that available data support the safety and effectiveness of Paxlovid for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adult patients who are at high risk for progression to severe illness. The AMDAC's vote, while not binding, will be considered by the FDA when making its decision regarding the potential approval of Paxlovid. If approved by the FDA, Paxlovid could be the first U.S. FDA-approved oral treatment for COVID-19. The target PDUFA action date for a decision by the FDA is in May 2023.
- Prevnar 20 (20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine) – In April 2023, Pfizer announced the FDA approved Prevnar 20 (20-valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine) for the prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) caused by the 20 Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcal) serotypes contained in the vaccine in infants and children six weeks through 17 years of age, and for the prevention of otitis media in infants six weeks through five years of age caused by the original seven serotypes contained in Prevnar. Prevnar 20 offers the broadest serotype coverage of any pediatric pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, helping to protect against all 20 serotypes contained in the vaccine.
- Talzenna (talazoparib) – In February 2023, Pfizer announced positive results from the Phase 3 TALAPRO-2 study of Talzenna, an oral poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, in combination with Xtandi (enzalutamide), demonstrating a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) compared to placebo plus Xtandi in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), with or without homologous recombination repair (HRR) gene mutations. Additionally, the FDA granted priority review for Pfizer's sNDA for Talzenna in combination with Xtandi for the treatment of men with mCRPC. The FDA's decision on the sNDA is expected in 2023. In addition, the marketing authorization application (MAA) for this same indication has also been accepted for review by the EMA.
- Xtandi (enzalutamide) – In April 2023, Astellas Pharma and Pfizer announced that Xtandi plus leuprolide significantly reduced the risk of metastasis or death by 58% versus placebo plus leuprolide, as assessed by the primary endpoint of metastasis-free survival (MFS), in men with non-metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (nmHSPC; also known as non-metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer or nmCSPC) with high-risk biochemical recurrence (BCR). These data from the Phase 3 EMBARK trial were presented as a plenary session during the 2023 American Urological Association Annual Meeting, and detailed results from the trial will be submitted for peer-reviewed publication. Additionally, the EMBARK data will be discussed with regulatory authorities, including the FDA, to support a potential regulatory submission for Xtandi in this indication in 2023.
- Zavzpret (zavegepant) – In March 2023, Pfizer announced the FDA approved Zavzpret, the first and only calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist nasal spray for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults. In the pivotal Phase 3 study, published in The Lancet Neurology , Zavzpret was statistically superior to placebo on the co-primary endpoints of pain freedom and freedom from most bothersome symptom at two hours post-dose. The pivotal study also demonstrated pain relief as early as 15 minutes in a prespecified secondary endpoint versus placebo. In clinical trials, Zavzpret was well tolerated. Zavzpret is anticipated to be available in pharmacies in July 2023.
Pipeline Developments
A comprehensive update of Pfizer's development pipeline was published today and is now available at www.pfizer.com/science/drug-product-pipeline . It includes an overview of Pfizer's research and a list of compounds in development with targeted indication and phase of development, as well as mechanism of action for some candidates in Phase 1 and all candidates from Phase 2 through registration.
- Elranatamab (PF-06863135) – In February 2023, Pfizer announced the FDA granted priority review for the company's Biologics License Application (BLA) for elranatamab, an investigational B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) CD3-targeted bispecific antibody (BsAb), for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). The FDA's decision on the application is expected in 2023. The EMA also accepted elranatamab's MAA.
- RSVpreF (Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Bivalent Vaccine Candidate)
- Pfizer today reports positive top-line results from the Phase 3 study evaluating the safety and immunogenicity of its RSV bivalent vaccine candidate, PF-06928316 or RSVpreF, coadministered with seasonal inactivated influenza vaccine (SIIV) in adults 65 years and older. The study met its primary endpoint, demonstrating non-inferiority for all four flu strains and both RSV groups. These results show that RSVpreF, if approved, can be administered concomitantly with SIIV.
- In February 2023, Pfizer announced the FDA accepted for priority review a BLA for its respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine candidate, PF-06928316 or RSVpreF, for the prevention of medically attended lower respiratory tract illness (MA-LRTI) and severe MA-LRTI caused by RSV in infants from birth up to six months of age by active immunization of pregnant individuals. If approved, RSVpreF would be the first vaccine for administration to pregnant individuals to help protect against the complications of RSV disease in infants from birth through six months. The PDUFA goal date for a decision by the FDA is in August 2023. Pfizer also announced that the EMA accepted Pfizer's MAA under accelerated assessment for its RSV vaccine candidate for both older adults and maternal immunization to help protect infants. A decision is expected in the second half of 2023.
- In February 2023, Pfizer announced that the FDA's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) voted that available data are adequate to support the safety and effectiveness of its RSV bivalent vaccine candidate, PF-06928316 or RSVpreF. The vaccine candidate is currently under FDA review for the prevention of acute respiratory disease and lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV in adults 60 years of age and older. The FDA's decision in older adults is expected by the PDUFA goal date in May 2023.
- Shingles (Varicella-zoster Virus, or VZV) mRNA Candidates – In February 2023, Pfizer and BioNTech announced the start of a Phase 1/2 trial exploring the safety, tolerability and immunogenicity of the companies' mRNA vaccine candidates against shingles (also known as herpes zoster, or HZ). The study is aiming to enroll up to 900 healthy volunteers 50 through 69 years of age and is being conducted in the U.S. Phase 1 will help select the optimal mRNA vaccine candidate, dose level, dosing schedule and formulation for advancement to Phase 2. Participants in the study will be followed to determine how long protection may last.
- VLA15 (Lyme Disease Vaccine Candidate) – In February 2023, Pfizer and Valneva SE announced that Pfizer, as the study sponsor, decided to discontinue a significant percentage of participants in the U.S. who had been enrolled in the Vaccine Against Lyme for Outdoor Recreationists (VALOR) (NCT05477524) Phase 3 clinical study. These study participants, representing approximately half of the total recruited participants in the trial, are being discontinued following violations of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) at certain clinical trial sites run by a third-party clinical trial site operator. The discontinuation of these participants was not due to any safety concerns with the investigational vaccine and was not prompted by a participant-reported adverse event. The clinical trial remains ongoing at other sites not operated by the third party, and Pfizer continues to enroll new participants at those sites.
Corporate Developments
- In March 2023, Pfizer announced it entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Pfizer will acquire Seagen Inc., a global biotechnology company that discovers, develops and commercializes transformative cancer medicines, for $229 in cash per Seagen share for a total enterprise value of approximately $43 billion. Pfizer expects to finance the transaction substantially through $31 billion of new, long-term debt, and the balance from a combination of short-term financing and existing cash. The companies expect to complete the transaction in late 2023 or early 2024, subject to fulfillment of customary closing conditions, including approval of Seagen's stockholders and receipt of required regulatory approvals. When combining the expected strong growth trajectories for Seagen's in-line medicines with candidates that could emerge from Seagen's pipeline, subject to clinical and regulatory success, Pfizer believes Seagen could contribute more than $10 billion in risk-adjusted revenues in 2030, with potential significant growth beyond 2030.
- In March 2023, it was announced that the Alliance between Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, (Merck KGaA) and Pfizer to co-develop and co-commercialize Bavencio (avelumab) will terminate. Effective June 30, 2023, Merck KGaA will take full control of the global commercialization of Bavencio. The current profit share will be replaced by a 15% royalty to Pfizer on net sales of Bavencio. Merck KGaA and Pfizer will continue to operationalize their respective ongoing clinical trials for Bavencio; and Merck KGaA will control all future research and development activities.
Please find Pfizer's press release and associated financial tables, including reconciliations of certain GAAP reported to non-GAAP adjusted information, at the following hyperlink:
https://investors.pfizer.com/Q1-2023-PFE-Earnings-Release
(Note: If clicking on the above link does not open a new webpage, you may need to cut and paste the above URL into your browser's address bar.)
For additional details, see the financial schedules and product revenue tables attached to the press release located at the hyperlink referred to above, and the attached disclosure notice.
(1) As used in this document, "Comirnaty" refers to, as applicable, and as authorized or approved, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent (Original and Omicron BA.4/BA.5), the Comirnaty Original/Omicron BA.1 Vaccine, and Comirnaty Original/Omicron BA.4/BA.5 Vaccine. In the U.S., monovalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are no longer emergency use authorized or CDC-recommended, although Comirnaty remains a licensed vaccine. "Comirnaty" includes direct sales and alliance revenues related to sales of the above-mentioned vaccines, which are recorded within Pfizer's Primary Care customer group. It does not include revenues for certain Comirnaty-related manufacturing activities performed on behalf of BioNTech, which are included in the Pfizer CentreOne contract development and manufacturing organization. Revenues related to these manufacturing activities totaled $5 million for the first quarter of 2023 and $47 million for the first quarter of 2022.
(2) Revenues is defined as revenues in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Reported net income and its components are defined as net income attributable to Pfizer Inc. common shareholders and its components in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Reported diluted earnings per share (EPS) is defined as diluted EPS attributable to Pfizer Inc. common shareholders in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
(3) Adjusted income and Adjusted diluted EPS are defined as U.S. GAAP net income attributable to Pfizer Inc. common shareholders and Reported diluted EPS attributable to Pfizer Inc. common shareholders before the impact of amortization of intangible assets, certain acquisition-related items, discontinued operations and certain significant items. See the accompanying reconciliations of certain GAAP Reported to Non-GAAP Adjusted information for the first quarter of 2023 and 2022. Adjusted income and its components and Adjusted diluted EPS measures are not, and should not be viewed as, substitutes for U.S. GAAP net income and its components and diluted EPS (2) . See the Non-GAAP Financial Measure: Adjusted Income section of Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Pfizer's 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the accompanying Non-GAAP Financial Measure: Adjusted Income section of the press release located at the hyperlink above for a definition of each component of Adjusted income as well as other relevant information.
(4) Pfizer does not provide guidance for GAAP Reported financial measures (other than revenues and acquired in-process R&D (IPR&D) expenses) or a reconciliation of forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP Reported financial measures on a forward-looking basis because it is unable to predict with reasonable certainty the ultimate outcome of unusual gains and losses, certain acquisition-related expenses, gains and losses from equity securities, actuarial gains and losses from pension and postretirement plan remeasurements, potential future asset impairments and pending litigation without unreasonable effort. These items are uncertain, depend on various factors, and could have a material impact on GAAP Reported results for the guidance period.
Financial guidance for full-year 2023 reflects the following:
- Does not assume the completion of any business development transactions not completed as of April 2, 2023, except for signed transactions, if any, through mid-April 2023, which are expected to give rise to acquired IPR&D expenses during fiscal 2023.
- Reflects an anticipated negative revenue impact of $0.2 billion due to recent and expected generic and biosimilar competition for certain products that have recently lost patent protection or that are anticipated to lose patent protection during fiscal-year 2023.
- Exchange rates assumed are a blend of actual rates in effect through the first quarter of 2023 and mid-April 2023 rates for the remainder of the year. Financial guidance reflects the anticipated unfavorable impact of approximately $0.4 billion on revenues and approximately $0.13 on Adjusted (3) diluted EPS as a result of changes in foreign exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar compared to foreign exchange rates from 2022.
- Guidance for Adjusted (3) diluted EPS assumes diluted weighted-average shares outstanding of approximately 5.75 billion shares, and assumes no share repurchases in 2023.
(5) Pfizer's fiscal year-end for international subsidiaries is November 30 while Pfizer's fiscal year-end for U.S. subsidiaries is December 31. Therefore, Pfizer's first quarter for U.S. subsidiaries reflects the three months ended on April 2, 2023 and April 3, 2022, while Pfizer's first quarter for subsidiaries operating outside the U.S. reflects the three months ended on February 26, 2023 and February 27, 2022.
(6) Beginning in the third quarter of 2022, Pfizer made several organizational changes to further transform its operations to better leverage its expertise in certain areas and in anticipation of potential future new product and indication launches. Biopharma, Pfizer's innovative science-based biopharmaceutical business, is operating under a new commercial structure designed to better support and optimize performance across three broad customer groups:
- Primary Care, consisting of the former Internal Medicine and Vaccines product portfolios, products for COVID-19 prevention and treatment, and potential future mRNA and antiviral products.
- Specialty Care, consisting of the former Inflammation & Immunology, Rare Disease and Hospital (excluding Paxlovid) product portfolios.
- Oncology, consisting of the former Oncology product portfolio.
(7) References to operational variances in this press release pertain to period-over-period changes that exclude the impact of foreign exchange rates. Although exchange rate changes are part of Pfizer's business, they are not within Pfizer's control, and because they can mask positive or negative trends in the business, Pfizer believes presenting operational variances excluding these foreign exchange changes provides useful information to evaluate Pfizer's results.
(8) Paxlovid and the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent (Original and Omicron BA.4/BA.5) have not been approved or licensed by the FDA. Paxlovid has been authorized for emergency use by the FDA under an EUA, for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults and pediatric patients (12 years of age and older weighing at least 40 kg) with a current diagnosis of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent has been authorized by the FDA under an EUA to prevent COVID-19 in individuals aged 6 months and older. The emergency uses are only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of the medical product during the COVID-19 pandemic under Section 564(b)(1) of the FFDCA unless the declaration is terminated or authorization revoked sooner. Please see the EUA Fact Sheets at www.covid19oralrx.com and www.cvdvaccine-us.com .
DISCLOSURE NOTICE: Except where otherwise noted, the information contained in this earnings release and the related attachments is as of May 2, 2023. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this earnings release and the related attachments as a result of new information or future events or developments.
This earnings release and the related attachments contain forward-looking statements about, among other topics, our anticipated operating and financial performance; reorganizations; business plans, strategy and prospects; our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) priorities, strategy and goals; expectations for our product pipeline, in-line products and product candidates, including anticipated regulatory submissions, data read-outs, study starts, approvals, launches, clinical trial results and other developing data, revenue contribution and projections, potential pricing and reimbursement, potential market dynamics and size, growth, performance, timing of exclusivity and potential benefits; strategic reviews; capital allocation objectives; dividends and share repurchases; plans for and prospects of our acquisitions, dispositions and other business development activities, including our proposed acquisition of Seagen, and our ability to successfully capitalize on these opportunities; manufacturing and product supply; our ongoing efforts to respond to COVID-19, including Comirnaty (as defined in this earnings release) and our oral COVID-19 treatment (Paxlovid); and our expectations regarding the impact of COVID-19 on our business, operations and financial results that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. You can identify these statements by the fact that they use future dates or use words such as "will," "may," "could," "likely," "ongoing," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "intend," "plan," "believe," "assume," "target," "forecast," "guidance," "goal," "objective," "aim," "seek," "potential," "hope" and other words and terms of similar meaning.
Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from past results and future plans and projected future results are the following:
Risks Related to Our Business, Industry and Operations, and Business Development:
- the outcome of research and development (R&D) activities, including, the ability to meet anticipated pre-clinical or clinical endpoints, commencement and/or completion dates for our pre-clinical or clinical trials, regulatory submission dates, and/or regulatory approval and/or launch dates; the possibility of unfavorable pre-clinical and clinical trial results, including the possibility of unfavorable new pre-clinical or clinical data and further analyses of existing pre-clinical or clinical data; risks associated with preliminary, early stage or interim data; the risk that pre-clinical and clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and assessments, including during the peer review/publication process, in the scientific community generally, and by regulatory authorities; and whether and when additional data from our pipeline programs will be published in scientific journal publications and, if so, when and with what modifications and interpretations;
- our ability to successfully address comments received from regulatory authorities such as the FDA or the EMA, or obtain approval for new products and indications from regulators on a timely basis or at all; regulatory decisions impacting labeling, including the scope of indicated patient populations, product dosage, manufacturing processes, safety and/or other matters, including decisions relating to emerging developments regarding potential product impurities; the impact of, or uncertainties regarding the ability to obtain, recommendations by technical or advisory committees; and the timing of pricing approvals and product launches;
- claims and concerns that may arise regarding the safety or efficacy of in-line products and product candidates, including claims and concerns that may arise from the outcome of post-approval clinical trials, which could impact marketing approval, product labeling, and/or availability or commercial potential, including uncertainties regarding the commercial or other impact of the results of the Xeljanz ORAL Surveillance (A3921133) study or actions by regulatory authorities based on analysis of ORAL Surveillance or other data, including on other Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors in our portfolio;
- the success and impact of external business development activities, including the ability to identify and execute on potential business development opportunities; the ability to satisfy the conditions to closing of announced transactions in the anticipated time frame or at all; the ability to realize the anticipated benefits of any such transactions in the anticipated time frame or at all; the potential need for and impact of additional equity or debt financing to pursue these opportunities, which could result in increased leverage and/or a downgrade of our credit ratings; challenges integrating the businesses and operations; disruption to business and operations relationships; risks related to growing revenues for certain acquired products; significant transaction costs; and unknown liabilities;
- risks and uncertainties related to Pfizer's proposed acquisition of Seagen, including, among other things, risks related to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions to closing the proposed acquisition (including the failure to obtain necessary regulatory approvals and failure to obtain the requisite vote by Seagen stockholders) in the anticipated timeframe or at all, including the possibility that the proposed acquisition does not close; the possibility that competing offers may be made; risks related to the ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the proposed acquisition, including the possibility that the expected benefits from the acquisition will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected time period; the risk that the businesses will not be integrated successfully; disruption from the transaction making it more difficult to maintain business and operational relationships; negative effects of the announcement or the consummation of the proposed acquisition on the market price of Pfizer's common stock and/or operating results; significant transaction costs; unknown liabilities; the risk of litigation and/or regulatory actions related to the proposed acquisition or Seagen's business; risks related to the financing of the transaction; other business effects and uncertainties, including the effects of industry, market, business, economic, political or regulatory conditions; future exchange and interest rates; changes in tax and other laws, regulations, rates and policies; the impact of the proposed acquisition on future business combinations or disposals; uncertainties regarding the commercial success of Pfizer's and Seagen's commercialized and pipeline products; the uncertainties inherent in R&D whether and when drug applications may be filed in any jurisdictions for Pfizer's or Seagen's pipeline products; whether and when any such applications may be approved by regulatory authorities, which will depend on myriad factors, including making a determination as to whether the product's benefits outweigh its known risks and determination of the product's efficacy and, if approved, whether any such products will be commercially successful; and competitive developments;
- competition, including from new product entrants, in-line branded products, generic products, private label products, biosimilars and product candidates that treat or prevent diseases and conditions similar to those treated or intended to be prevented by our in-line products and product candidates;
- the ability to successfully market both new and existing products, including biosimilars;
- difficulties or delays in manufacturing, sales or marketing; supply disruptions, shortages or stock-outs at our facilities or third-party facilities that we rely on; and legal or regulatory actions;
- the impact of public health outbreaks, epidemics or pandemics (such as COVID-19) on our business, operations and financial condition and results, including impacts on our employees, manufacturing, supply chain, sales and marketing, R&D and clinical trials;
- risks and uncertainties related to our efforts to develop and commercialize our COVID-19 products, as well as challenges related to their manufacturing, supply and distribution, including, among others, uncertainties inherent in R&D, including the ability to meet anticipated clinical endpoints, commencement and/or completion dates for clinical trials, regulatory submission dates, regulatory approval dates and/or launch dates, as well as risks associated with pre-clinical and clinical data (including Phase 1/2/3 or Phase 4 data for Comirnaty, any monovalent, bivalent or variant-adapted vaccine candidates or any other vaccine candidate in the BNT162 program or Paxlovid or any future COVID-19 treatment) in any of our studies in pediatrics, adolescents or adults or real world evidence, including the possibility of unfavorable new pre-clinical, clinical or safety data and further analyses of existing pre-clinical, clinical or safety data or further information regarding the quality of pre-clinical, clinical or safety data, including by audit or inspection; the ability to produce comparable clinical or other results for Comirnaty, any monovalent, bivalent or variant-adapted vaccine candidates or other vaccines that may result from the BNT162 program, Paxlovid or any future COVID-19 treatment or any other COVID-19 program, including the rate of effectiveness and/or efficacy, safety and tolerability profile observed to date, in additional analyses of the Phase 3 trial for any such products and additional studies, in real-world data studies or in larger, more diverse populations following commercialization; the ability of Comirnaty, any monovalent, bivalent or variant-adapted vaccine candidates or any future vaccine to prevent, or Paxlovid or any future COVID-19 treatment to be effective against, COVID-19 caused by emerging virus variants; the risk that demand for any products may be reduced, no longer exist or not meet expectations, which may lead to excess inventory on-hand and/or in the channel or reduced revenues; challenges related to a transition to the commercial market for any of our products; uncertainties related to the public's adherence to vaccines, boosters and treatments; the risk that use of Comirnaty or Paxlovid will lead to new information about efficacy, safety or other developments, including the risk of additional adverse reactions, some of which may be serious; the risk that pre-clinical and clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and assessments, including during the peer review/publication process, in the scientific community generally, and by regulatory authorities; whether and when additional data from the BNT162 mRNA vaccine program, Paxlovid or other COVID-19 programs will be published in scientific journal publications and, if so, when and with what modifications and interpretations; whether regulatory authorities will be satisfied with the design of and results from existing or future pre-clinical and clinical studies; whether and when submissions to request emergency use or conditional marketing authorizations for Comirnaty or any future vaccines in additional populations, for a potential booster dose for Comirnaty, any monovalent or bivalent vaccine candidates or any potential future vaccines (including potential future annual boosters or re-vaccinations), and/or biologics license and/or EUA applications or amendments to any such applications may be filed in particular jurisdictions for Comirnaty, any monovalent or bivalent vaccine candidates or any other potential vaccines that may arise from the BNT162 program, including a potential variant-based, higher dose, or bivalent vaccine or any other potential vaccines, and if obtained, whether or when such EUA or licenses, or existing EUAs, will expire or terminate; whether and when submissions to request emergency use or conditional marketing authorizations for Paxlovid or any future COVID-19 treatment and/or any drug applications and/or EUA applications or amendments to any such applications for any indication for Paxlovid or any future COVID-19 treatment may be filed in particular jurisdictions, and if obtained, whether or when such EUA or licenses, or existing EUAs, will expire or terminate; whether and when any application that may be pending or filed for Comirnaty, any monovalent, bivalent or variant-adapted vaccine candidates or other vaccines that may result from the BNT162 program, Paxlovid or any future COVID-19 treatment or any other COVID-19 program may be approved by particular regulatory authorities, which will depend on myriad factors, including making a determination as to whether the vaccine's or drug's benefits outweigh its known risks and determination of the vaccine's or drug's efficacy and, if approved, whether it will be commercially successful; decisions by regulatory authorities impacting labeling or marketing, manufacturing processes, safety and/or other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of a vaccine or drug, including the authorization or approval of products or therapies developed by other companies; disruptions in the relationships between us and our collaboration partners, clinical trial sites or third-party suppliers, including our relationship with BioNTech; the risk that other companies may produce superior or competitive products; risks related to the availability of raw materials to manufacture or test any such products; challenges related to our vaccine's formulation, dosing schedule and attendant storage, distribution and administration requirements, including risks related to storage and handling after delivery by Pfizer; challenges and risks related to medication errors such as prescribing or dispensing the wrong strength, improper dosing and self-administration errors; the risk that we may not be able to successfully develop other vaccine formulations, booster doses or potential future annual boosters or re-vaccinations or new variant-based or next generation vaccines, potential combination respiratory vaccines or next generation COVID-19 treatments; the risk that we may not be able to recoup costs associated with our R&D and manufacturing efforts; risks associated with any changes in the way we approach or provide research funding for the BNT162 program, Paxlovid or any other COVID-19 program; challenges and risks associated with the pace of our development programs; the risk that we may not be able to maintain manufacturing capacity or access to logistics or supply channels commensurate with global demand for our COVID-19 products, which would negatively impact our ability to supply our COVID-19 products within the projected time periods; risks related to our ability to achieve our revenue forecasts for Comirnaty and Paxlovid or any potential future COVID-19 vaccines or treatments; whether and when additional supply or purchase agreements will be reached or existing agreements will be completed or renegotiated; uncertainties regarding the ability to obtain recommendations from vaccine or treatment advisory or technical committees and other public health authorities and uncertainties regarding the commercial impact of any such recommendations; pricing and access challenges for such products; challenges related to public confidence in, or awareness of Comirnaty or Paxlovid, including challenges driven by misinformation or disinformation, access, concerns about clinical data integrity, or prescriber and pharmacy education; uncertainties around future changes to applicable healthcare policies and guidelines issued by the U.S. federal government in connection with the declared termination of the federal government's COVID-19 public health emergency as of May 11, 2023; trade restrictions; potential third-party royalties or other claims related to Comirnaty or Paxlovid; and competitive developments;
- trends toward managed care and healthcare cost containment, and our ability to obtain or maintain timely or adequate pricing or favorable formulary placement for our products;
- interest rate and foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, including the impact of possible currency devaluations and monetary policy actions in countries experiencing high inflation rates;
- any significant issues involving our largest wholesale distributors or government customers, which account for a substantial portion of our revenues;
- the impact of the increased presence of counterfeit medicines or vaccines in the pharmaceutical supply chain;
- any significant issues related to the outsourcing of certain operational and staff functions to third parties; and any significant issues related to our JVs and other third-party business arrangements;
- uncertainties related to general economic, political, business, industry, regulatory and market conditions including, without limitation, uncertainties related to the impact on us, our customers, suppliers and lenders and counterparties to our foreign-exchange and interest-rate agreements of challenging global economic conditions, such as inflation, and recent and possible future changes in global financial markets;
- any changes in business, political and economic conditions due to actual or threatened terrorist activity, geopolitical instability, civil unrest or military action;
- the impact of product recalls, withdrawals and other unusual items, including uncertainties related to regulator-directed risk evaluations and assessments, including our ongoing evaluation of our product portfolio for the potential presence or formation of nitrosamines;
- trade buying patterns;
- the risk of an impairment charge related to our intangible assets, goodwill or equity-method investments;
- the impact of, and risks and uncertainties related to, restructurings and internal reorganizations, as well as any other corporate strategic initiatives and growth strategies, and cost-reduction and productivity initiatives, each of which requires upfront costs but may fail to yield anticipated benefits and may result in unexpected costs or organizational disruption;
- the ability to successfully achieve our climate goals and progress our environmental sustainability priorities;
Risks Related to Government Regulation and Legal Proceedings:
- the impact of any U.S. healthcare reform or legislation or any significant spending reductions or cost controls affecting Medicare, Medicaid or other publicly funded or subsidized health programs, including the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, or changes in the tax treatment of employer-sponsored health insurance that may be implemented;
- U.S. federal or state legislation or regulatory action and/or policy efforts affecting, among other things, pharmaceutical product pricing, intellectual property, reimbursement or access or restrictions on U.S. direct-to-consumer advertising; limitations on interactions with healthcare professionals and other industry stakeholders; as well as pricing pressures for our products as a result of highly competitive insurance markets;
- legislation or regulatory action in markets outside of the U.S., such as China and Europe, including, without limitation, laws related to pharmaceutical product pricing, intellectual property, regulatory data protection, environmental impact of medicines, reimbursement or access, including, in particular, continued government-mandated reductions in prices and access restrictions for certain biopharmaceutical products to control costs in those markets;
- the exposure of our operations globally to possible capital and exchange controls, economic conditions, expropriation and other restrictive government actions, changes in intellectual property legal protections and remedies, the impact of political or civil unrest or military action, including the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and its economic consequences, unstable governments and legal systems, inter-governmental disputes and natural disasters or disruptions related to climate change;
- legal defense costs, insurance expenses, settlement costs and contingencies, including those related to actual or alleged environmental contamination;
- the risk and impact of an adverse decision or settlement and the risk related to adequacy of reserves related to legal proceedings;
- the risk and impact of tax related litigation and investigations;
- governmental laws and regulations affecting our operations, including, without limitation, the recently enacted Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, changes in laws and regulations or their interpretation, including, among others, changes in tax laws and regulations internationally and in the U.S., the adoption of global minimum taxation requirements outside the U.S. and potential changes to existing tax law by the current U.S. Presidential administration and Congress;
Risks Related to Intellectual Property, Technology and Security:
- any significant breakdown or interruption of our information technology systems and infrastructure (including cloud services);
- any business disruption, theft of confidential or proprietary information, security threats on facilities or infrastructure, extortion or integrity compromise resulting from a cyber-attack or other malfeasance by, but not limited to, nation states, employees, business partners or others;
- the risk that our currently pending or future patent applications may not be granted on a timely basis or at all, or any patent-term extensions that we seek may not be granted on a timely basis, if at all; and
- risks to our products, patents and other intellectual property, such as: (i) claims of invalidity that could result in loss of exclusivity; (ii) claims of patent infringement, including asserted and/or unasserted intellectual property claims; (iii) claims we may assert against intellectual property rights held by third parties; (iv) challenges faced by our collaboration or licensing partners to the validity of their patent rights; or (v) any pressure, or legal or regulatory action by, various stakeholders or governments that could potentially result in us not seeking intellectual property protection or agreeing not to enforce or being restricted from enforcing intellectual property rights related to our products, including Comirnaty and Paxlovid.
We cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will be realized. Should known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize or should underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, actual results could vary materially from past results and those anticipated, estimated or projected. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. A further list and description of risks, uncertainties and other matters can be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 and in our subsequent report on Form 10-Q, in each case including in the sections thereof captioned "Forward-Looking Information and Factors That May Affect Future Results" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors," and in our subsequent reports on Form 8-K.
This earnings release may include discussion of certain clinical studies relating to various in-line products and/or product candidates. These studies typically are part of a larger body of clinical data relating to such products or product candidates, and the discussion herein should be considered in the context of the larger body of data. In addition, clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations, and, even when we view data as sufficient to support the safety and/or effectiveness of a product candidate or a new indication for an in-line product, regulatory authorities may not share our views and may require additional data or may deny approval altogether.
The information contained on our website or any third-party website is not incorporated by reference into this earnings release. All trademarks mentioned are the property of their owners.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230502005284/en/
Media
PfizerMediaRelations@Pfizer.com
212.733.1226
Investors
IR@Pfizer.com
212.733.4848
News Provided by Business Wire via QuoteMedia
Keep reading...Show less
29 April 2023
XTANDI® plus Leuprolide Reduced the Risk of Metastasis by 58% in Non-Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer versus Placebo plus Leuprolide
Data from Phase 3 EMBARK trial to be presented as a plenary session during the 2023 American Urological Association Annual Meeting
Results show the potential for XTANDI to add to the standard of care in prostate cancer, if approved
Astellas Pharma Inc. (TSE: 4503, President and CEO: Naoki Okamura "Astellas") and Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) announced today that XTANDI ® (enzalutamide) plus leuprolide significantly reduced the risk of metastasis or death by 58% versus placebo plus leuprolide (Hazard Ratio [HR]: 0.42; 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 0.30–0.61; P
The overall safety profile was consistent with the known safety profile of each of the medicines. The most common adverse events in those treated with XTANDI plus leuprolide were fatigue, hot flush, and arthralgia and in those treated with XTANDI monotherapy were fatigue, gynecomastia, and arthralgia.
"There are patients with localized prostate cancer who undergo prostatectomy or radiation therapy in an attempt to cure their disease, but, unfortunately, some patients will develop BCR," said Neal Shore , M.D., F.A.C.S., U.S. Chief Medical Officer of Urology and Surgical Oncology, GenesisCare, Director, Carolina Urologic Research Center, and Primary Investigator for the EMBARK study. "Importantly, some patients with BCR are at very high risk for developing metastatic disease, which can lead to a cascade of therapeutic interventions. The clinical goal of BCR therapy is to delay cancer progression and avoid metastatic disease. The MFS results from the EMBARK study demonstrate that this intervention with XTANDI plus leuprolide was statistically significant for patients with high-risk BCR."
"The EMBARK study is a Phase 3 trial exploring the potential of enzalutamide in patients with non-metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer with high-risk BCR," said Stephen J. Freedland , M.D., Director of the Center for Integrated Research in Cancer and Lifestyle and the Warschaw Robertson Law Families Chair in Prostate Cancer at Cedars-Sinai Cancer and Co-Principal Investigator of the Clinical Trial. "If approved, we hope to bring a new option to men earlier in the course of their disease."
Consistent with the study's primary endpoint, statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements were also observed in the trial's key secondary endpoints in both the XTANDI combination and monotherapy arms. Specifically, the XTANDI monotherapy arm demonstrated that treatment with XTANDI reduced the risk of metastasis or death by 37% versus leuprolide plus placebo (HR: 0.63; 95% CI, 0.46–0.87; P=0.0049), meeting its MFS endpoint. Treatment with XTANDI plus leuprolide and XTANDI monotherapy reduced the risk of PSA progression by 93% (HR: 0.07; 95% CI, 0.03–0.14; P
A positive trend in the key secondary endpoint of overall survival (OS) was also observed in the XTANDI combination arm at the time of the analysis, but these data were not yet mature. Patients in the trial will be followed for a subsequent final OS analysis.
Detailed results from the trial will be submitted for peer-reviewed publication. Additionally, the EMBARK data will be discussed with regulatory authorities, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to support a potential regulatory submission for XTANDI in this indication in 2023.
About EMBARK
The Astellas- and Pfizer-led Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-national trial enrolled 1,068 patients with non-metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (nmHSPC; also known as non-metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer or nmCSPC) with high-risk biochemical recurrence (BCR) at sites in the United States , Canada , Europe , South America and the Asia-Pacific region. Patients who were considered to experience high-risk BCR had a prostate-specific antigen doubling time (PSA-DT) ≤ 9 months; serum testosterone ≥ 150 ng/dL (5.2 nmol/L); and screening PSA by the central laboratory ≥ 1 ng/mL if they had a radical prostatectomy (with or without radiotherapy) as primary treatment for prostate cancer, or at least 2 ng/mL above the nadir if they had radiotherapy only as primary treatment for prostate cancer. Patients in the EMBARK trial were randomized to receive enzalutamide 160 mg daily plus leuprolide (n=355), enzalutamide 160 mg as a monotherapy (n=355), or placebo plus leuprolide (n=358). Leuprolide 22.5 mg was administered every 12 weeks.
The primary endpoint of the trial was metastasis-free survival (MFS) for enzalutamide plus leuprolide versus placebo plus leuprolide. MFS is defined as the duration of time in months between randomization and the earliest objective evidence of radiographic progression by central imaging or death. For more information on the EMBARK trial ( NCT02319837 ) go to www.clinicaltrials.gov .
XTANDI, either in combination with leuprolide or as a monotherapy, has not been approved by any regulatory agency for the treatment of patients with nmHSPC with high-risk BCR.
About Non-Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer with High-Risk Biochemical Recurrence
In non-metastatic hormone- (or castration-) sensitive prostate cancer (nmHSPC or nmCSPC), no evidence of the cancer spreading to distant parts of the body (metastases) is detectable with conventional radiological methods (CT/MRI), and the cancer still responds to medical or surgical treatment designed to lower testosterone levels. 1,2 Of men who have undergone definitive prostate cancer treatment, including radical prostatectomy, radiotherapy, or both, an estimated 20-40% will experience a biochemical recurrence (BCR) within 10 years. 3 About 9 out of 10 men with high-risk BCR will develop metastatic disease, and 1 in 3 will die as a result of the recurrence. 4 The EMBARK trial focused on men with high-risk BCR. Per the EMBARK protocol, patients with nmHSPC and high-risk BCR are those initially treated by radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy, or both, with a prostate-specific antigen doubling time (PSA-DT) ≤ 9 months. High-risk BCR patients with a PSA-DT of ≤ 9 months have a higher risk of metastases and death. 5
About XTANDI ® (enzalutamide)
XTANDI (enzalutamide) is an androgen receptor signaling inhibitor. XTANDI has received regulatory approvals in one or more countries around the world for use in men with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC), metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), and non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC). XTANDI is currently approved for one or more of these indications in more than 100 countries, including in the United States , European Union and Japan . One million patients have been treated with XTANDI globally. 6
U.S. Important Safety Information
XTANDI (enzalutamide) is indicated in the U.S. for the treatment of patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC).
Warnings and Precautions
Seizure occurred in 0.5% of patients receiving XTANDI in seven randomized clinical trials. In a study of patients with predisposing factors for seizure, 2.2% of XTANDI-treated patients experienced a seizure. It is unknown whether anti-epileptic medications will prevent seizures with XTANDI. Patients in the study had one or more of the following predisposing factors: use of medications that may lower the seizure threshold, history of traumatic brain or head injury, history of cerebrovascular accident or transient ischemic attack, and Alzheimer's disease, meningioma, or leptomeningeal disease from prostate cancer, unexplained loss of consciousness within the last 12 months, history of seizure, presence of a space-occupying lesion of the brain, history of arteriovenous malformation, or history of brain infection. Advise patients of the risk of developing a seizure while taking XTANDI and of engaging in any activity where sudden loss of consciousness could cause serious harm to themselves or others. Permanently discontinue XTANDI in patients who develop a seizure during treatment.
Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES): There have been reports of PRES in patients receiving XTANDI. PRES is a neurological disorder that can present with rapidly evolving symptoms including seizure, headache, lethargy, confusion, blindness, and other visual and neurological disturbances, with or without associated hypertension. A diagnosis of PRES requires confirmation by brain imaging, preferably MRI. Discontinue XTANDI in patients who develop PRES.
Hypersensitivity: Reactions, including edema of the face (0.5%), tongue (0.1%), or lip (0.1%) have been observed with XTANDI in seven randomized clinical trials. Pharyngeal edema has been reported in post-marketing cases. Advise patients who experience any symptoms of hypersensitivity to temporarily discontinue XTANDI and promptly seek medical care. Permanently discontinue XTANDI for serious hypersensitivity reactions.
Ischemic Heart Disease: In the combined data of four randomized, placebo-controlled clinical studies, ischemic heart disease occurred more commonly in patients on the XTANDI arm compared to patients on the placebo arm (2.9% vs 1.3%). Grade 3-4 ischemic events occurred in 1.4% of patients on XTANDI versus 0.7% on placebo. Ischemic events led to death in 0.4% of patients on XTANDI compared to 0.1% on placebo. Monitor for signs and symptoms of ischemic heart disease. Optimize management of cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia. Discontinue XTANDI for Grade 3-4 ischemic heart disease.
Falls and Fractures occurred in patients receiving XTANDI. Evaluate patients for fracture and fall risk. Monitor and manage patients at risk for fractures according to established treatment guidelines and consider use of bone-targeted agents. In the combined data of four randomized, placebo-controlled clinical studies, falls occurred in 11% of patients treated with XTANDI compared to 4% of patients treated with placebo. Fractures occurred in 10% of patients treated with XTANDI and in 4% of patients treated with placebo.
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: The safety and efficacy of XTANDI have not been established in females. XTANDI can cause fetal harm and loss of pregnancy when administered to a pregnant female. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with XTANDI and for 3 months after the last dose of XTANDI.
Adverse Reactions (ARs): In the data from the four randomized placebo-controlled trials, the most common ARs (≥ 10%) that occurred more frequently (≥ 2% over placebo) in XTANDI-treated patients were asthenia/fatigue, back pain, hot flush, constipation, arthralgia, decreased appetite, diarrhea, and hypertension. In the bicalutamide-controlled study, the most common ARs (≥ 10%) reported in XTANDI-treated patients were asthenia/fatigue, back pain, musculoskeletal pain, hot flush, hypertension, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, and weight loss.
In AFFIRM, the placebo-controlled study of metastatic CRPC (mCRPC) patients who previously received docetaxel, Grade 3 and higher ARs were reported among 47% of XTANDI-treated patients. Discontinuations due to adverse events (AEs) were reported for 16% of XTANDI-treated patients. In PREVAIL, the placebo-controlled study of chemotherapy-naive mCRPC patients, Grade 3- 4 ARs were reported in 44% of XTANDI patients and 37% of placebo patients. Discontinuations due to AEs were reported for 6% of XTANDI treated patients. In TERRAIN, the bicalutamide-controlled study of chemotherapy-naive mCRPC patients, Grade 3- 4 ARs were reported in 39% of XTANDI patients and 38% of bicalutamide patients. Discontinuations with an AE as the primary reason were reported for 8% of XTANDI patients and 6% of bicalutamide patients.
In PROSPER, the placebo-controlled study of non-metastatic CRPC (nmCRPC) patients, Grade 3 or higher ARs were reported in 31% of XTANDI patients and 23% of placebo patients. Discontinuations with an AE as the primary reason were reported for 9% of XTANDI patients and 6% of placebo patients.
In ARCHES, the placebo-controlled study of metastatic CSPC (mCSPC) patients, Grade 3 or higher AEs were reported in 24% of XTANDI-treated patients. Permanent discontinuation due to AEs as the primary reason was reported in 5% of XTANDI patients and 4% of placebo patients.
Lab Abnormalities: Lab abnormalities that occurred in ≥ 5% of patients, and more frequently (> 2%) in the XTANDI arm compared to placebo in the pooled, randomized, placebo-controlled studies are neutrophil count decreased, white blood cell decreased, hyperglycemia, hypermagnesemia, hyponatremia, and hypercalcemia.
Hypertension: In the combined data from four randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials, hypertension was reported in 12% of XTANDI patients and 5% of placebo patients. Hypertension led to study discontinuation in
Drug Interactions
Effect of Other Drugs on XTANDI Avoid strong CYP2C8 inhibitors, as they can increase the plasma exposure to XTANDI. If co-administration is necessary, reduce the dose of XTANDI. Avoid strong CYP3A4 inducers as they can decrease the plasma exposure to XTANDI. If coadministration is necessary, increase the dose of XTANDI. Effect of XTANDI on Other Drugs Avoid CYP3A4, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index, as XTANDI may decrease the plasma exposures of these drugs. If XTANDI is co-administered with warfarin (CYP2C9 substrate), conduct additional INR monitoring.
Please see Full Prescribing Information for additional safety information.
About Astellas
Astellas Pharma Inc. is a pharmaceutical company conducting business in more than 70 countries around the world. We are promoting the Focus Area Approach that is designed to identify opportunities for the continuous creation of new drugs to address diseases with high unmet medical needs by focusing on Biology and Modality. Furthermore, we are also looking beyond our foundational Rx focus to create Rx+ ® healthcare solutions that combine our expertise and knowledge with cutting-edge technology in different fields of external partners. Through these efforts, Astellas stands on the forefront of healthcare change to turn innovative science into VALUE for patients. For more information, please visit our website at https://www.astellas.com/en .
About Pfizer Oncology
At Pfizer Oncology, we are committed to advancing medicines wherever we believe we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of people living with cancer. Today, we have an industry-leading portfolio of 24 approved innovative cancer medicines and biosimilars across more than 30 indications, including breast, genitourinary, colorectal, blood and lung cancers, as well as melanoma.
About the Pfizer/Astellas Collaboration
In October 2009 , Medivation, Inc., which is now part of Pfizer (NYSE:PFE), and Astellas (TSE: 4503) entered into a commercial agreement to jointly develop and commercialize XTANDI ® (enzalutamide) in the United States , while Astellas has responsibility for manufacturing and all additional regulatory filings globally, as well as commercializing the product outside the United States . Pfizer receives alliance revenues as a share of U.S. profits and receives royalties on sales outside the U.S.
Astellas Forward-Looking Statement
In this press release, statements made with respect to current plans, estimates, strategies and beliefs and other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements about the future performance of Astellas. These statements are based on management's current assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to it and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: (i) changes in general economic conditions and in laws and regulations, relating to pharmaceutical markets, (ii) currency exchange rate fluctuations, (iii) delays in new product launches, (iv) the inability of Astellas to market existing and new products effectively, (v) the inability of Astellas to continue to effectively research and develop products accepted by customers in highly competitive markets, and (vi) infringements of Astellas' intellectual property rights by third parties.
Information about pharmaceutical products (including products currently in development), which is included in this press release is not intended to constitute an advertisement or medical advice.
Pfizer Disclosure Notice
The information contained in this release is as of April 29, 2023 . Pfizer assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this release as the result of new information or future events or developments.
This release contains forward-looking information about XTANDI ® (enzalutamide) and a potential new indication being evaluated for the treatment of men with non-metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer with high-risk biochemical recurrence (BCR), including their potential benefits, that involves substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Risks and uncertainties include, among other things, uncertainties regarding the commercial success of XTANDI; the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including the ability to meet anticipated clinical endpoints, commencement and/or completion dates for clinical trials, regulatory submission dates, regulatory approval dates and/or launch dates, as well as the possibility of unfavorable new clinical data and further analyses of existing clinical data; whether the EMBARK trial will meet the secondary endpoint of overall survival; the risk that clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and assessments by regulatory authorities; whether regulatory authorities will be satisfied with the design of and results from the clinical studies; whether and when drug applications for the potential new indication for XTANDI or any other potential indications for XTANDI may be filed in any jurisdictions; whether and when regulatory authorities in any jurisdictions may approve any such applications, which will depend on a myriad of factors, including making a determination as to whether the product's benefits outweigh its known risks and determination of the product's efficacy and, if approved, whether XTANDI for any potential indication will be commercially successful; decisions by regulatory authorities impacting labeling, manufacturing processes, safety, and/or other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of XTANDI, including for the potential new indication; dependence on the efforts and funding by Astellas Pharma Inc. for the development, manufacturing and commercialization of XTANDI; uncertainties regarding the impact of COVID-19 on Pfizer's business, operations and financial results; and competitive developments.
A further description of risks and uncertainties can be found in Pfizer's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 and in its subsequent reports on Form 10-Q, including in the sections thereof captioned "Risk Factors" and "Forward-Looking Information and Factors That May Affect Future Results", as well as in its subsequent reports on Form 8-K, all of which are filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov and www.pfizer.com .
1 Cancer.net. Prostate Cancer: Types of Treatment (12-2022). https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/prostate-cancer/types-treatment . Accessed March 16, 2023 .
2 American Society of Clinical Oncology. ASCO Answers: Prostate Cancer (2021). https://www.cancer.net/sites/cancer.net/files/asco_answers_guide_prostate.pdf . Accessed March 16, 2023 .
3 Ward JF, Moul JW. Rising prostate-specific antigen after primary prostate cancer therapy. Nat Clin Pract Urol. 2005 Apr;2(4):174-82. doi: 10.1038/ncpuro0145. PMID: 16474760.
4 Antonarakis, Emmanuel S et al. "The natural history of metastatic progression in men with prostate-specific antigen recurrence after radical prostatectomy: long-term follow-up." BJU international vol. 109,1 (2012): 32-9. doi:10.1111/j.1464-410X.2011.10422.
5 Paller, Channing J et al. "Management of patients with biochemical recurrence after local therapy for prostate cancer." Hematology/oncology clinics of North America vol. 27,6 (2013): 1205-19, viii. doi:10.1016/j.hoc.2013.08.005
6 Data on file. Northbrook, IL : Astellas Inc.
View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/xtandi-enzalutamide-plus-leuprolide-reduced-the-risk-of-metastasis-by-58-in-non-metastatic-hormone-sensitive-prostate-cancer-versus-placebo-plus-leuprolide-301811445.html
SOURCE Astellas Pharma Inc.; Pfizer Inc.

News Provided by PR Newswire via QuoteMedia
Keep reading...Show less
27 April 2023
U.S. FDA Approves PREVNAR 20®, Pfizer's 20-valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine for Infants and Children
- PREVNAR 20 offers the broadest serotype coverage of any pediatric pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, helping to protect against all 20 serotypes contained in the vaccine
- PREVNAR 20 builds on PREVNAR 13 ® and includes seven additional serotypes shown to be associated with antibiotic resistance, heightened disease severity, invasive potential, and prevalence in pediatric pneumococcal cases. 1
- The vaccine further advances Pfizer's pediatric pneumococcal vaccine portfolio and builds on more than 20 years of Pfizer leadership, legacy and innovation in developing pneumococcal conjugate vaccines
Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved PREVNAR 20 ® (20-valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine) for the prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) caused by the 20 Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcal) serotypes contained in the vaccine in infants and children six weeks through 17 years of age, and for the prevention of otitis media in infants six weeks through five years of age caused by the original seven serotypes contained in PREVNAR ® .
"Today's FDA approval of our vaccine, PREVNAR 20, now offers parents the ability to help protect their children against 20 pneumococcal serotypes in circulation, which represent the majority of pneumococcal disease in U.S. infants and children," 1,2 said Annaliesa Anderson, Ph.D., Senior Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer, Vaccine Research and Development, Pfizer. "This important PREVNAR 20 approval builds on more than 20 years of real-world impact with PREVNAR and PREVNAR 13, safety data, and effectiveness; highlighting Pfizer's leadership in developing groundbreaking pneumococcal conjugate vaccines to help protect infants and their families from life threatening infections. We are grateful to the families and clinical investigators who participated in this research and our colleagues who have worked tirelessly to develop this breakthrough vaccine."
In the United States, there remains a considerable burden of disease attributed to serotypes not included in currently approved pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs). 1 PREVNAR 20 builds on Pfizer's approved PREVNAR 13 vaccine, and includes seven additional serotypes (8, 10A, 11A, 12F, 15B, 22F and 33F) shown to be associated with antibiotic resistance, heightened disease severity, invasive potential, and prevalence in pediatric pneumococcal cases. 1 Moreover, data show that the additional seven serotypes included in PREVNAR 20 are among some of the most common serotypes causing pediatric IPD in countries, like the U.S., with existing pneumococcal vaccination programs. 1 A study found that the seven additional serotypes alone accounted for an estimated 37% of IPD in U.S. children under five years of age. 1
"With the approval of PREVNAR 20 for the pediatric indication, we now have an expanded vaccine to help provide infants and children with the broadest serotype protection in a PCV, helping to protect against the 20 serotypes in the vaccine, which includes the specific serotypes responsible for significant burden of disease in children under five," said Dr. Sheldon Kaplan, Chief, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Chief, Infectious Disease Service, Texas Children's Hospital. "We are thrilled with this approval as it signifies a new chapter in pediatric pneumococcal conjugate vaccination. Based on the real-world results we've observed with PREVNAR 13, PREVNAR 20 has the potential to greatly reduce the substantial remaining burden of pneumococcal disease among U.S. infants and children and help protect them against this potentially serious disease."
The FDA's decision is based on results from the Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical trial programs for the pediatric indication for PREVNAR 20. Three core Phase 3 pediatric studies contributed to data on the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of PREVNAR 20, including previously announced positive, top-line results of the pivotal U.S. Phase 3 study (NCT04382326). Further positive data from a Proof-of-Concept Phase 2 study (NCT03512288) that assessed the safety and immunogenicity of PREVNAR 20 also supported the FDA's decision.
The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is committed to taking action as soon as possible on new vaccines after FDA approval. The next regularly scheduled ACIP meeting is June 21-22, 2023.
About 20-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate (PREVNAR 20) Vaccine Regulatory Review
The FDA granted PREVNAR 20 Breakthrough Therapy Designation in August 2020 for the pediatric indication for invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). Breakthrough Therapy Designation is designed to expedite the development and review of drugs and vaccines that are intended to treat or prevent serious conditions and preliminary clinical evidence indicates that the drug or vaccine may demonstrate substantial improvement over available therapy on a clinically significant endpoint(s). 3 Drugs and vaccines that receive Breakthrough Therapy Designation are eligible for all features of the FDA's Fast Track designation, which may include more frequent communication with the FDA about the drug's development plan and eligibility for Accelerated Approval and Priority Review, if relevant criteria are met. 4
In August 2022, Pfizer announced positive top-line results from its pivotal Phase 3 study in U.S. infants (NCT04382326) and, in January 2023, the U.S. FDA accepted for priority review a supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for PREVNAR 20 for the prevention of IPD for the pediatric indication.
Additional positive top-line results from Pfizer's Phase 3 study (NCT04546425) in infants in the European Union were announced in September 2022. In November 2022, Pfizer submitted the 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine candidate pediatric indication to the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
INDICATIONS FOR PREVNAR 20
PREVNAR 20 is a vaccine approved for:
- the prevention of invasive disease caused by 20 Streptococcus pneumoniae strains (1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 8, 9V, 10A, 11A, 12F, 14, 15B, 18C, 19A, 19F, 22F, 23F, and 33F) in individuals 6 weeks and older.
- the prevention of otitis media (middle ear infection) caused by 7 of the 20 strains in individuals 6 weeks through 5 years.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR PREVNAR 20
- PREVNAR 20 should not be given to anyone who has had a severe allergic reaction to any component of PREVNAR 20 or to diphtheria–toxoid-containing vaccine.
- Individuals with weakened immune systems may have a lower immune response. Safety data are not available for these groups.
- A temporary pause in breathing after getting the vaccine has been observed in some infants who were born prematurely. For premature infants, talk to your doctor about the infant's medical status when deciding to get vaccinated with PREVNAR 20.
- In individuals 2, 4, 6, and 12 through 15 months of age vaccinated with a 4-dose schedule, the most common side effects reported at a rate of >10% were irritability, pain at the injection site, drowsiness, decreased appetite and injection site redness, injection site swelling, and fever.
- In individuals 15 months through 17 years of age vaccinated with a single dose, the most common side effects reported at a rate of >10% were irritability, pain at the injection site, drowsiness, fatigue and muscle pain, decreased appetite, injection site swelling and injection site redness, headache, and fever.
- Ask your doctor about the risks and benefits of PREVNAR 20. Only a doctor can decide if PREVNAR 20 is right for your child.
View the full Prescribing Information . There may be a delay as the document is updated with the latest information. It will be available as soon as possible. Please check back for the updated full information shortly.
INDICATIONS FOR PREVNAR 13
- PREVNAR 13 is a vaccine approved for children 6 weeks through 17 years of age for the prevention of invasive disease caused by 13 Streptococcus pneumoniae strains (1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, and 23F), and for children 6 weeks through 5 years for the prevention of otitis media caused by 7 of the 13 strains.
- PREVNAR 13 is not 100% effective and will only help protect against the 13 strains included in the vaccine.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
- PREVNAR 13 should not be given to anyone with a history of severe allergic reaction to any component of PREVNAR 13 or any diphtheria toxoid–containing vaccine
- Children with weakened immune systems (e.g., HIV infection, leukemia) may have a reduced immune response
- A temporary pause of breathing following vaccination has been observed in some infants born prematurely
- The most commonly reported serious adverse events in infants and toddlers were bronchiolitis (an infection of the lungs) (0.9%), gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and small intestine) (0.9%), and pneumonia (0.9%)
- In children 6 weeks through 17 years, the most common side effects were tenderness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, irritability, decreased appetite, decreased or increased sleep, and fever
- Ask your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of PREVNAR 13. Only a healthcare provider can decide if PREVNAR 13 is right for your child
About Pfizer: Breakthroughs That Change Patients' Lives
At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacture of health care products, including innovative medicines and vaccines. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world's premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For more than 170 years, we have worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. We routinely post information that may be important to investors on our website at www.Pfizer.com . In addition, to learn more, please visit us on www.Pfizer.com and follow us on Twitter at @Pfizer and @Pfizer News, LinkedIn, YouTube and like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Pfizer .
DISCLOSURE NOTICE:
The information contained in this release is as of April 27, 2023. Pfizer assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this release as the result of new information or future events or developments.
This release contains forward-looking information about Pfizer's PREVNAR 20 ® , including its potential benefits, an approval in the U.S. for a pediatric indication, and an application submitted to the EMA for a pediatric indication, that involves substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Risks and uncertainties include, among other things, uncertainties regarding the commercial success of PREVNAR 20; the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including the ability to meet anticipated clinical endpoints, commencement and/or completion dates for our clinical trials, regulatory submission dates, regulatory approval dates and/or launch dates, as well as the possibility of unfavorable new clinical data and further analyses of existing clinical data; the risk that clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and assessments by regulatory authorities; whether regulatory authorities will be satisfied with the design of and results from our clinical studies; whether and when any biologics license applications may be filed in any other jurisdictions for PREVNAR 20 for the prevention of invasive disease and pneumonia in infants and children six weeks through seventeen years of age and in any jurisdictions for any other potential indications; whether and when the pending in the EU may be approved and whether and when any such other applications that may be pending or filed may be approved by regulatory authorities, which will depend on myriad factors, including making a determination as to whether the product's benefits outweigh its known risks and determination of the product's efficacy and, if approved, whether PREVNAR 20 will be commercially successful; decisions by regulatory authorities impacting labeling, manufacturing processes, safety and/or other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of PREVNAR 20; uncertainties regarding the ability to obtain recommendations from vaccine advisory or technical committees and other public health authorities regarding PREVNAR 20 and uncertainties regarding the commercial impact of any such recommendations; and competitive developments.
A further description of risks and uncertainties can be found in Pfizer's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, and in its subsequent reports on Form 10-Q, including in the sections thereof captioned "Risk Factors" and "Forward-Looking Information and Factors That May Affect Future Results", as well as in its subsequent reports on Form 8-K, all of which are filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov and www.Pfizer.com .
_____________________________________ |
1 Senders, S., et al. (2021, October 1). Safety and immunogenicity of a 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in healthy infants in the United States. The Pediatric infectious disease journal. Retrieved March 3, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8443440/ |
2 Gierke, R. (2022, February 24). Current Epidemiology of Pneumococcal Disease and Pneumococcal Vaccine Coverage among Children, United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved March 3, 2023, from https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/114840 |
3 U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Breakthrough Therapy https://www.fda.gov/forpatients/approvals/fast/ucm405397.htm |
4 U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Fast Track https://www.fda.gov/ForPatients/Approvals/Fast/ucm405399.htm |
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230426006061/en/
Media:
PfizerMediaRelations@Pfizer.com
+1 (212) 733-1226
Investors:
IR@Pfizer.com
+1 (212) 733-4848
News Provided by Business Wire via QuoteMedia
Keep reading...Show less
26 April 2023
Pfizer Declares Second-Quarter 2023 Dividend
Board of Directors approves quarterly cash dividend of $0.41 per share
Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) today announced that its board of directors declared a $0.41 second-quarter 2023 dividend on the company's common stock, payable June 9, 2023, to holders of the Common Stock of record at the close of business on May 12, 2023. The second-quarter 2023 cash dividend will be the 338th consecutive quarterly dividend paid by Pfizer.
About Pfizer: Breakthroughs That Change Patients' Lives
At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacture of health care products, including innovative medicines and vaccines. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world's premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For more than 170 years, we have worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. We routinely post information that may be important to investors on our website at www.Pfizer.com . In addition, to learn more, please visit us on www.Pfizer.com and follow us on Twitter at @Pfizer and @Pfizer News , LinkedIn , YouTube and like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Pfizer .
Category: Finance
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230425006023/en/
Media Contact:
PfizerMediaRelations@Pfizer.com
+1 (212) 733-1226
Investor Contact:
IR@Pfizer.com
+1 (212) 733-4848
News Provided by Business Wire via QuoteMedia
Keep reading...Show less
28 May
Hearing Against Pfizer Set For 30 May In Contraceptive 'Depo-Provera' Multidistrict Litigation Overseen By Levin Papantonio
- Global pharmaceutical company Pfizer Inc. is facing a multidistrict litigation (MDL No.3140) in the USA, currently comprising approximately 400 lawsuits against the company.
- This MDL follows a study by EPI-PHARE (Roland et al.) published in March 2024 in the British Medical Journal , which found that women who had used the Pfizer contraceptive injection Depo-Provera 1 for more than one year were 5.6 times more likely to develop an intracranial meningioma, a type of brain tumor.
- An estimated 74 million women globally receive Depo-Provera injections according to a 2019 UN study 2 .
A Case Management Conference (CMC) in the Depo-Provera legal action against Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) will take place on Friday, 30 May at 9:00am CT in the United States Courthouse is Pensacola, Florida. The litigation is being brought on behalf of women in the USA who developed meningiomas after receiving at least 4 consecutive injections of Pfizer's Depo-Provera (DMPA). One of the law firms appointed to the Plaintiff's Executive Committee responsible for overseeing the MDL is Levin Papantonio, which has helped to secure more than $80 billion in jury verdicts and settlements against some of the world's largest corporations, including Johnson & Johnson, BP, Dupont, 3M, Merck and big tobacco. The law firm is currently acting for plaintiffs in the Talcum Powder Litigation against Johnson & Johnson and the Preterm Infant Nutrition Products Liability Litigation against Abbott Laboratories and Mead Johnson, owned by Reckitt Benckiser.
The lawsuits allege that Pfizer and other generic producers of Depo-Provera were aware of the link between these birth control injections and brain tumors and that they failed to adequately warn of the risk and promote safer alternatives. Pfizer has acknowledged its awareness of the risks linked to long-term use of the drug and added warning labels in Canada in 2015, and in the UK and Europe in October 2024 following the Roland study published in the British Medical Journal . On 25 February 2025, Pfizer issued a note to healthcare professionals in South Africa warning that DMPA can cause meningiomas and should not be used by patients with a history of the condition. However, Pfizer has never provided an equivalent warning to women in the United States, highlighting inconsistent global safety standards.
Virginia Buchanan and Chris Paulos, Partners at Levin Papantonio said: "This case is moving at speed and this hearing will bring us closer to achieving justice for the women in the United States who have never been warned about the increased risk of developing a brain tumor from using Depo-Provera and who have gone on to develop meningiomas. Levin Papantonio has taken on Big Tobacco, Big Oil, and Big Pharma for their corporate wrongdoing and now we're demanding that Pfizer be held accountable."
In the US, 24.5% of sexually active women have used Depo-Provera in their lifetime, according to a 2023 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report 3 and according to the University of Edinburgh, Depo-Provera is used by 15% of women in the UK 4 . Following the March 2024 British Medical Journal study, other studies have since confirmed this risk 5 and cancer epidemiologist Paul Pharoah estimated that whilst 40 out of every 10,000 30-year-old women in the UK would be diagnosed with a meningioma before the age of 80, this risk increases to approximately 200 per 10,000 among women who have used Depo-Provera, which equates to 2% of Depo-Provera users developing brain tumors 6 . Symptoms associated with these brain tumors include headaches, memory loss, seizures, and speech difficulties, often needing surgical intervention.
Depo-Provera, originally developed by The Upjohn Company in the 1950s as a cancer treatment, was marketed as a contraceptive to more than 70 countries from 1969 7 onwards despite evidence that its active ingredient, DMPA, caused cancer in animals 8 and before the first attempt at a clinical study was conducted at the Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta between 1967 and 1978 involving approximately 11,000 mostly impoverished or African American women 9 . An audit performed by the US FDA found that the study was unreliable and failed to obtain informed consent from its subjects 10 . In 1984, The Public Board of Inquiry upheld the FDA's decision to disallow the marketing of the drug and between 1978 to 1992, the FDA denied approval for the drug to be used in the US three times due to safety concerns. The drug was approved in the US in 1992 7 . Pfizer acquired Depo-Provera following its takeover of Pharmacia & Upjohn in 2002.
Notes to editors
About Levin Papantonio
Levin Papantonio is one of the leading plaintiff law firms in America. The firm has successfully represented more than 100,000 clients harmed by corporate negligence and misconduct and has helped to secure more than $80 billion in jury verdicts and settlements against some of the world's largest corporations, including Big Tobacco, BP, Dupont, 3M and Merck:
- Over $14 billion in settlements in the PFAS litigation from 3M, DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva over the last 20 years. These settlements aimed to fund the cleanup of toxic "forever chemicals" from public water systems nationwide, addressing environmental and health concerns linked to PFAS contamination.
- $500 million settlement with Walgreens, resolving claims that the pharmacy giant recklessly dispensed opioids in 2023.
- $26 billion national opioid settlement involving Johnson & Johnson and three other major drug distributors in 2021.
- $18.7 billion settlement in the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill case in 2010.
- $4.85 billion settlement in the Vioxx products multi-district litigation against Merck in 2007.
- $3.75 billion settlement with American Home Products Corporation for those claiming injuries from the diet pill combo Fen-Phen in 1999.
- $13.2 billion settlement for the State of Florida against the tobacco industry in 1992, the largest civil settlement in US history at the time.
The firm is led by Mike Papantonio, a nationally renowned US trial lawyer. Mike was selected as lead in discovery and trial in the National Prescription Opiate Litigation MDL, dubbed the most complex case in U.S. legal history, and he secured a $26 billion settlement.
One of the few living attorneys inducted into the Trial Lawyer Hall of Fame, Papantonio's work has been featured in award-winning documentaries including Oxy Kingpins , The Devil We Know , and Jesus Camp . Papantonio also hosts America's Lawyer on YouTube, with over 1 million subscribers, and he founded and hosts the Ring of Fire radio show where he has interviewed major cultural and political figures, including Al Pacino, Erin Brockovich, and Howard Zinn.
1 Refers to Depo-Provera 150 mg/ml formulation.
2 United Nations. Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division. Contraceptive use by method 2019: data booklet. 2019. https://www.un.org/development/desa/pd/sites/www.un.org.development.desa.pd/files/files/documents/2020/Jan/un_2019_contraceptiveusebymethod_databooklet.pdf Accessed 25 April 2025.
3 Daniels K, Abma JC. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Health Statistics Reports, Number 195: Contraceptive Methods Women Have Ever Used: United States, 2015–2019. 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhsr/nhsr195.pdf Accessed 28 April 2025.
4 University of Edinburgh. Women invited to trial twice-a-year contraceptive. 2023. https://www.ed.ac.uk/news/2023/women-invited-to-trial-twice-a-year-contraceptive Accessed 25 April 2025.
5 Griffin RL. The Association between Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Exposure and Meningioma. Cancers (Basel). 2024 Sep 30;16(19):3362. doi: 10.3390/cancers16193362. PMID: 39409982; PMCID: PMC11482550.
6 Science Media Centre. Expert reaction to study finding an association between prolonged use of progestogen hormones and brain tumour risk. 2024. https://www.sciencemediacentre.org/expert-reaction-to-study-finding-an-association-between-prolonged-use-of-progestogen-hormones-and-brain-tumour-risk Accessed 25 April 2025.
7 Nadakavukaren A. Our Global Environment: A Health Perspective . 7th ed. Waveland Press. 2011. Accessed 22 May 2025.
8 World Bank Group Archives. Depo-Provera background documents. 1984. https://thedocs.worldbank.org/en/doc/118081664196031351-0560011984/original/WorldBankGroupArchivesFolder1104000.pdf Accessed 25 April 2025
9 Green, W. Contraceptive Risk: The FDA, Depo-Provera, and the Politics of Experimental Medicine . New York University Press. 2017.
10 Weisz J, Ross G, Stolley P. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Report of the Public Board of Inquiry on Depo-Provera. 1984. See also Federal Register. 49(210):43507. Green W. Contraceptive Risk: The FDA, Depo-Provera, and the Politics of Experimental Medicine . New York: New York University Press; 2017.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250526151184/en/
Media Contacts
Desiree Maghoo, Questor Consulting
T: +44 (0) 20 3761 9670
M: +44 (0) 7775522740
E: dmaghoo@questorconsulting.com
Mimi Robson, Questor Consulting
T: +44 (0) 20 3761 9669
M: +44 (0) 7749940494
E: mrobson@questorconsulting.com
News Provided by Business Wire via QuoteMedia
Keep reading...Show less
22 May
Astellas and Pfizer's XTANDI Shows Long-Term Overall Survival in Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer
- Five-year follow-up data from the Phase 3 ARCHES trial shows XTANDI (enzalutamide) plus androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) reduces risk of death by 30%
- After a median follow-up of 61.4 months, treatment with XTANDI (enzalutamide) plus ADT was associated with a 66% probability of survival at five years compared to 53% probability of survival with placebo plus ADT
- XTANDI (enzalutamide) is the first and only androgen receptor inhibitor to demonstrate an overall survival benefit at five years in men with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer
- Data continue to show wide-ranging effect of treatment with XTANDI (enzalutamide) plus ADT across various patient subgroups, notably those with high-volume disease, no prior docetaxel use, and synchronous disease
- Long-term data reinforce XTANDI (enzalutamide) plus ADT as a standard of care
Astellas Pharma Inc. (TSE: 4503, President and CEO: Naoki Okamura "Astellas") and Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) today announced longer-term follow-up results from an open-label extension of the Phase 3 ARCHES ( NCT02677896 ) study, reporting a five-year follow up of overall survival (OS) benefits and a 30% reduction in the risk of death in men with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) treated with XTANDI ™ (enzalutamide), an androgen receptor pathway inhibitor (ARPI), plus androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) compared to placebo plus ADT. These data will be presented during an oral presentation (Abstract #5005) at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago ( Tuesday, June 3 9:45 a.m.- 12:45 p.m. US CT).
"Historically, the likelihood of survival at five years for men with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer was low, but with advancements in initial treatment intensification like what we've seen with XTANDI, this is now becoming the standard," said Andrew J. Armstrong , MD, ScM, Director of Research at the Center for Prostate & Urologic Cancers, Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC , and ARCHES primary investigator. "In our five-year follow up of the global ARCHES trial, two-thirds of men are now surviving five years, representing a 13% absolute and 30% relative improvement over standard hormonal therapy alone, with benefits in patients with high and low disease burden that are meaningful to our patients."
In patients with high-volume disease (HR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.56-0.88) a 36-month improvement in median OS was observed. Additional clinically relevant subgroups of patients were evaluated, showing consistently improved survival: low-volume disease (HR: 0.71; 95% CI, 0.49-1.05); patients who had previously received docetaxel therapy (HR: 0.67; 95% CI, 0.43- 1.05) and those who had not received prior docetaxel therapy (HR: 0.71; 95% CI, 0.57-0.88). The incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events in the five-year follow-up is consistent with prior ARCHES analyses and no new safety signals were identified.
"The survival benefits of intervention with XTANDI in advanced prostate cancer are well-recognized," added Shontelle Dodson , Executive Vice President, Head of Medical Affairs, Astellas. "The collective – and growing – body of data for XTANDI continues to reinforce its long-term efficacy and patient impact in prostate cancer, including in the metastatic setting, and shows that XTANDI is changing the trajectory of those living with the disease."
These results of the five-year follow-up from the ARCHES study will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal in the near future.
"Until recently, patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer faced a poor prognosis, particularly in advanced stages, often due to treatment resistance," said Johanna Bendell , M.D., Oncology Chief Development Officer , Pfizer. "As the only androgen receptor inhibitor demonstrating sustained five-year survival in this patient population, these data further reinforce XTANDI combined with androgen deprivation therapy as the standard-of-care for treating this advanced disease."
In addition to five-year data from the follow-up ARCHES study, eight-year data from the ENZAMET study assessing outcomes of enzalutamide versus non-steroidal anti-androgen (NSAA) – both plus testosterone suppression with or without docetaxel – in mHSPC will also be presented during a poster session at ASCO ( Monday, June 2 , 9:00 a.m. US CT). This independent, Phase 3 trial sponsored by the University of Sydney ( NCT02446405 ), led by the Australian and New Zealand Urogenital and Prostate Cancer Trials Group Limited (ANZUP), demonstrated a reduction in risk of death in men with mHSPC.
"Data from the eight-year follow-up of XTANDI are highly encouraging, as they show the progression-free survival and overall survival benefits are sustained out to at least eight years," said Christopher Sweeney , MBBS, DHS, FRACP, ANZUP Cancer Trials Group Limited, Sydney, Australia , and ENZAMET follow-up primary investigator. "These results further support the value of XTANDI as a treatment regimen for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer."
With a median follow-up of 98 months, patients with mHSPC were treated with XTANDI plus testosterone suppression or NSAA plus testosterone suppression, each group with or without docetaxel. The median OS in the XTANDI group was 8.0 years and 5.8 years in the NSAA group (HR: 0.73; 95% CI, 0.63-0.86). OS at 96 months was 50% with XTANDI and 40% for NSAA; progression-free survival (PFS) also favored XTANDI over NSAA (HR: 0.49; 95% CI, 0.42-0.57). Prostate cancer accounted for 468 of all 622 deaths and were less frequent among those assigned XTANDI than NSAA (207 versus 261). Other causes accounted for a total of 154 deaths and were similarly frequent among those assigned XTANDI versus NSAA (78 versus 76). Mean duration of treatment was longer for XTANDI (58 months) than NSAA (36 months), with 33% remaining on XTANDI and 88% of these patients remained at the full dose of 160 mg.
XTANDI is currently approved in more than 90 countries, including in the United States , European Union and Japan. Since its initial approval in 2012, over one million patients have been treated with XTANDI globally. 1***
About Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer (mHSPC)
Metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer, also known as metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer, refers to prostate cancer that still responds to hormonal therapy and has spread outside of the prostate gland to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, bones, lungs and liver. 2
About the ARCHES Study
The Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-national trial enrolled 1,150 patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) at sites in the United States , Canada , Europe , South America and the Asia-Pacific region. Patients in the ARCHES trial were randomized to receive XTANDI 160 mg daily or placebo and continued on a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist or antagonist or had a history of bilateral orchiectomy. The ARCHES trial included patients with both low- and high-volume disease and both newly diagnosed patients with mHSPC and patients who had prior definitive therapy and subsequently developed metastatic disease. The trial also included some patients who had received recent treatment with docetaxel for mHSPC, but whose disease had not progressed. The primary endpoint of the trial was radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS), defined as the time from randomization to the first objective evidence of radiographic disease progression as assessed by central review, or death within 24 weeks of treatment discontinuation.
In addition to the key secondary endpoint of overall survival at final analysis, a post hoc 5-year analysis was executed with the intent to further quantify long-term overall survival at a clinically meaningful landmark follow-up of five years.
For more information on the global ARCHES trial, go to www.clinicaltrials.gov .
About ENZAMET
ENZAMET is a trial led by ANZUP Cancer Trials Group Limited in collaboration with the NHMRC (National Health and Medical Research Council) Clinical Trials Centre at the University of Sydney with trial sites in Australia , Canada , Ireland , New Zealand , UK and United States . The trial evaluates the potential of enzalutamide plus androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) versus a conventional non-steroidal anti androgen (NSAA) plus ADT in 1,125 men with mHSPC. The primary endpoint for the trial is overall survival (OS). Additional details about ENZAMET (NCT02446405) are available on www.clinicaltrials.gov . Astellas provided funding and support for the ENZAMET trial.
About XTANDI ™ (enzalutamide)
XTANDI (enzalutamide) is an androgen receptor signaling inhibitor. XTANDI is a standard of care and has received regulatory approvals in one or more countries around the world for use in men with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC), metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) and non-metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (nmHSPC) with high-risk biochemical recurrence (BCR). XTANDI is currently approved for one or more of these indications in more than 90 countries, including in the United States , European Union and Japan. Over one million patients have been treated with XTANDI globally. 1
About XTANDI (enzalutamide) and Important Safety Information
XTANDI (enzalutamide) is indicated for the treatment of patients with:
- castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC)
- metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC)
- nonmetastatic castration sensitive prostate cancer (nmCSPC) with biochemical recurrence at high risk for metastasis (high-risk BCR)
Important Safety Information
Warnings and Precautions
Seizure occurred in 0.6% of patients receiving XTANDI in eight randomized clinical trials. In a study of patients with predisposing factors for seizure, 2.2% of XTANDI-treated patients experienced a seizure. It is unknown whether anti-epileptic medications will prevent seizures with XTANDI. Patients in the study had one or more of the following predisposing factors: use of medications that may lower the seizure threshold, history of traumatic brain or head injury, history of cerebrovascular accident or transient ischemic attack, and Alzheimer's disease, meningioma, or leptomeningeal disease from prostate cancer, unexplained loss of consciousness within the last 12 months, history of seizure, presence of a space occupying lesion of the brain, history of arteriovenous malformation, or history of brain infection. Advise patients of the risk of developing a seizure while taking XTANDI and of engaging in any activity where sudden loss of consciousness could cause serious harm to themselves or others. Permanently discontinue XTANDI in patients who develop a seizure during treatment.
Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) There have been reports of PRES in patients receiving XTANDI. PRES is a neurological disorder that can present with rapidly evolving symptoms including seizure, headache, lethargy, confusion, blindness, and other visual and neurological disturbances, with or without associated hypertension. A diagnosis of PRES requires confirmation by brain imaging, preferably MRI. Discontinue XTANDI in patients who develop PRES.
Hypersensitivity reactions, including edema of the face (0.5%), tongue (0.1%), or lip (0.1%) have been observed with XTANDI in eight randomized clinical trials. Pharyngeal edema has been reported in post-marketing cases. Advise patients who experience any symptoms of hypersensitivity to temporarily discontinue XTANDI and promptly seek medical care. Permanently discontinue XTANDI for serious hypersensitivity reactions.
Ischemic Heart Disease In the combined data of five randomized, placebo-controlled clinical studies, ischemic heart disease occurred more commonly in patients on the XTANDI arm compared to patients on the placebo arm (3.5% vs 2%). Grade 3-4 ischemic events occurred in 1.8% of patients on XTANDI versus 1.1% on placebo. Ischemic events led to death in 0.4% of patients on XTANDI compared to 0.1% on placebo. Monitor for signs and symptoms of ischemic heart disease. Optimize management of cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia. Discontinue XTANDI for Grade 3-4 ischemic heart disease.
Falls and Fractures occurred in patients receiving XTANDI. Evaluate patients for fracture and fall risk. Monitor and manage patients at risk for fractures according to established treatment guidelines and consider use of bone-targeted agents. In the combined data of five randomized, placebo-controlled clinical studies, falls occurred in 12% of patients treated with XTANDI compared to 6% of patients treated with placebo. Fractures occurred in 13% of patients treated with XTANDI and in 6% of patients treated with placebo.
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity The safety and efficacy of XTANDI have not been established in females. XTANDI can cause fetal harm and loss of pregnancy when administered to a pregnant female. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with XTANDI and for 3 months after the last dose of XTANDI.
Dysphagia or Choking Severe dysphagia or choking, including events that could be life-threatening requiring medical intervention or fatal, can occur due to XTANDI product size. Advise patients to take each capsule or tablet whole with a sufficient amount of water to ensure that all medication is successfully swallowed. Consider use of a smaller tablet size of XTANDI in patients who have difficulty swallowing. Discontinue XTANDI for patients who cannot swallow capsules or tablets.
Adverse Reactions (ARs)
In the data from the five randomized placebo-controlled trials, the most common ARs (≥ 10%) that occurred more frequently (≥ 2% over placebo) in XTANDI-treated patients were musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, hot flush, constipation, decreased appetite, diarrhea, hypertension, hemorrhage, fall, fracture, and headache. In the bicalutamide-controlled study, the most common ARs (≥ 10%) reported in XTANDI-treated patients were asthenia/fatigue, back pain, musculoskeletal pain, hot flush, hypertension, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, and weight loss.
In ARCHES, the placebo-controlled study of metastatic CSPC (mCSPC) patients, Grade 3 or higher ARs were reported in 24% of XTANDI-treated patients. Permanent discontinuation due to ARs as the primary reason was reported in 5% of XTANDI patients and 4% of placebo patients.
Lab Abnormalities: Lab abnormalities that occurred in ≥ 5% of patients, and more frequently (> 2%) in the XTANDI arm compared to placebo in the pooled, randomized, placebo-controlled studies are hemoglobin decrease, neutrophil count decreased, white blood cell decreased, hyperglycemia, hypermagnesemia, hyponatremia, hypophosphatemia, and hypercalcemia.
Hypertension: In the combined data from five randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials, hypertension was reported in 14.2% of XTANDI patients and 7.4% of placebo patients. Hypertension led to study discontinuation in
Drug Interactions
Effect of Other Drugs on XTANDI Avoid coadministration with strong CYP2C8 inhibitors. If coadministration cannot be avoided, reduce the dosage of XTANDI.
Avoid coadministration with strong CYP3A4 inducers. If coadministration cannot be avoided, increase the dosage of XTANDI.
Effect of XTANDI on Other Drugs Avoid coadministration with certain CYP3A4, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19 substrates for which minimal decrease in concentration may lead to therapeutic failure of the substrate. If coadministration cannot be avoided, increase the dosage of these substrates in accordance with their Prescribing Information. In cases where active metabolites are formed, there may be increased exposure to the active metabolites.
About Astellas
Astellas Pharma Inc. is a pharmaceutical company conducting business in more than 70 countries around the world. We are promoting the Focus Area Approach that is designed to identify opportunities for the continuous creation of new drugs to address diseases with high unmet medical needs by focusing on Biology and Modality. Furthermore, we are also looking beyond our foundational Rx focus to create Rx+® healthcare solutions that combine our expertise and knowledge with cutting-edge technology in different fields of external partners. Through these efforts, Astellas stands on the forefront of healthcare change to turn innovative science into VALUE for patients. For more information, please visit our website at https://www.astellas.com/en .
About Pfizer Oncology
At Pfizer Oncology, we are at the forefront of a new era in cancer care. Our industry-leading portfolio and extensive pipeline includes three core mechanisms of action to attack cancer from multiple angles, including small molecules, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and bispecific antibodies, including other immune-oncology biologics. We are focused on delivering transformative therapies in some of the world's most common cancers, including breast cancer, genitourinary cancer, hematology-oncology, and thoracic cancers, which includes lung cancer. Driven by science, we are committed to accelerating breakthroughs to help people with cancer live better and longer lives.
About the Pfizer/Astellas Collaboration
In October 2009 , Medivation, Inc., which is now part of Pfizer (NYSE: PFE), and Astellas (TSE: 4503) entered into a global agreement to jointly develop and commercialize XTANDI (enzalutamide). The companies jointly commercialize XTANDI in the United States , and Astellas has responsibility for manufacturing and all additional regulatory filings globally, as well as commercializing XTANDI outside the United States .
Astellas Forward-Looking Statement
In this press release, statements made with respect to current plans, estimates, strategies and beliefs and other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements about the future performance of Astellas. These statements are based on management's current assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to it and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: (i) changes in general economic conditions and in laws and regulations, relating to pharmaceutical markets, (ii) currency exchange rate fluctuations, (iii) delays in new product launches, (iv) the inability of Astellas to market existing and new products effectively, (v) the inability of Astellas to continue to effectively research and develop products accepted by customers in highly competitive markets, and (vi) infringements of Astellas' intellectual property rights by third parties.
Information about pharmaceutical products (including products currently in development), which is included in this press release is not intended to constitute an advertisement or medical advice.
Pfizer Disclosure Notice
The information contained in this release is as of May 22, 2025 . Pfizer assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this release as the result of new information or future events or developments.
This release contains forward-looking information about XTANDI (enzalutamide) and a new indication in the U.S. for the treatment of patients with nonmetastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer with biochemical recurrence at high risk for metastasis (high-risk BCR), including their potential benefits, that involves substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Risks and uncertainties include, among other things, uncertainties regarding the commercial success of XTANDI; the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including the ability to meet anticipated clinical endpoints, commencement and/or completion dates for clinical trials, regulatory submission dates, regulatory approval dates and/or launch dates, as well as the possibility of unfavorable new clinical data and further analyses of existing clinical data; whether the EMBARK trial will meet the secondary endpoint of overall survival; the risk that clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and assessments by regulatory authorities; whether regulatory authorities will be satisfied with the design of and results from the clinical studies; whether and when drug applications for XTANDI may be filed in other jurisdictions; whether and when regulatory authorities in any jurisdictions may approve any such applications that may be pending or filed for XTANDI (including the application pending with the European Medicines Agency), which will depend on a myriad of factors, including making a determination as to whether the product's benefits outweigh its known risks and determination of the product's efficacy and, if approved, whether XTANDI for any potential indication will be commercially successful; decisions by regulatory authorities impacting labeling, manufacturing processes, safety, and/or other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of XTANDI, including for the new indication; dependence on the efforts and funding by Astellas Pharma Inc. for the development, manufacturing and commercialization of XTANDI; uncertainties regarding the impact of COVID-19 on Pfizer's business, operations and financial results; and competitive developments.
A further description of risks and uncertainties can be found in Pfizer's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 , and in its subsequent reports on Form 10-Q, including in the sections thereof captioned "Risk Factors" and "Forward-Looking Information and Factors That May Affect Future Results", as well as in its subsequent reports on Form 8-K, all of which are filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov and www.pfizer.com .
Astellas Cautionary Notes
In this press release, statements made with respect to current plans, estimates, strategies and beliefs and other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements about the future performance of Astellas. These statements are based on management's current assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to it and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: (i) changes in general economic conditions and in laws and regulations, relating to pharmaceutical markets, (ii) currency exchange rate fluctuations, (iii) delays in new product launches, (iv) the inability of Astellas to market existing and new products effectively, (v) the inability of Astellas to continue to effectively research and develop products accepted by customers in highly competitive markets, and (vi) infringements of Astellas' intellectual property rights by third parties.
Information about pharmaceutical products (including products currently in development) which is included in this press release is not intended to constitute an advertisement or medical advice.
1 Astellas. Data on File. XTANDI patient. January 2023 .
2 Sartor, O., de Bono, J., Chi, K. N., Fizazi, K., Herrmann, K., Piulats, J. M., ... & Hussain, M. (2021). Lutetium-177-PSMA-617 for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer. New England Journal of Medicine, 385(12), 1091-1103.
View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/astellas-and-pfizers-xtandi-enzalutamide-shows-long-term-overall-survival-in-metastatic-hormone-sensitive-prostate-cancer-302463546.html
SOURCE Astellas Pharma Inc.

News Provided by PR Newswire via QuoteMedia
Keep reading...Show less
19 May
Pfizer Enters into Exclusive Licensing Agreement with 3SBio
Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) today announced it has entered into an exclusive global, ex-China, licensing agreement with 3SBio, Inc. (01530.HK), a leading Chinese biopharmaceutical company, for the development, manufacturing and commercialization of SSGJ-707, a bispecific antibody targeting PD-1 and VEGF, currently undergoing several clinical trials in China for non-small cell lung cancer, metastatic colorectal cancer, and gynecological tumors. SSGJ-707 has shown initial efficacy and safety data in a promising class of cancer medicines. 3SBio plans to initiate the first Phase 3 study in China in 2025.
Under the terms of the agreement, 3SBio and its subsidiaries Shenyang Sunshine Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and 3S Guojian Pharmaceutical (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. will grant Pfizer an exclusive global license to develop, manufacture and commercialize SSGJ-707 worldwide, excluding China. The agreement also provides Pfizer the option of commercialization rights in China. 3SBio will receive an upfront payment of $1.25 billion and is eligible to receive milestone payments associated with certain development, regulatory and commercial milestones up to $4.8 billion as well as tiered double-digit royalties on sales of SSGJ-707, if approved.
The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter subject to fulfillment of customary closing conditions, including receipt of required regulatory approvals and 3SBio shareholder approval. Upon close, Pfizer will make a $100 million equity investment in 3SBio subject to an agreed upon securities subscription agreement between the parties. Pfizer plans to manufacture drug substance for SSGJ-707 in Sanford, North Carolina, and drug product in McPherson, Kansas.
About Pfizer Oncology
At Pfizer Oncology, we are at the forefront of a new era in cancer care. Our industry-leading portfolio and extensive pipeline includes three core mechanisms of action to attack cancer from multiple angles, including small molecules, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and bispecific antibodies, including other immune-oncology biologics. We are focused on delivering transformative therapies in some of the world's most common cancers, including breast cancer, genitourinary cancer, hematology-oncology, and thoracic cancers, which includes lung cancer. Driven by science, we are committed to accelerating breakthroughs to help people with cancer live better and longer lives.
About Pfizer: Breakthroughs That Change Patients' Lives
At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacture of health care products, including innovative medicines and vaccines. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world's premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For 175 years, we have worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. We routinely post information that may be important to investors on our website at www.Pfizer.com . In addition, to learn more, please visit us on www.Pfizer.com and follow us on X at @Pfizer and @Pfizer News , LinkedIn , YouTube and like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Pfizer .
Disclosure Notice: The information contained in this release is as of May 19, 2025. Pfizer assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this release as the result of new information or future events or developments.
This release contains forward-looking information about, among other topics, Pfizer Oncology, SSGJ-707, an investigational bispecific antibody targeting PD-1 and VEGF, and an exclusive global, ex-China, licensing agreement between Pfizer and 3SBio, Inc. for the development, manufacturing and commercialization of SSGJ-707, including their potential benefits, the anticipated timing of closing of the proposed transaction, manufacturing plans and 3SBio's plans to initiate a Phase 3 study in China in 2025, that involves substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Risks and uncertainties include, among other things, risks related to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions to closing the proposed transaction (including the failure to obtain necessary regulatory and 3SBio shareholder approvals) in the anticipated timeframe or at all, including the possibility that the proposed transaction does not close; risks related to the ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction, including the possibility that the expected benefits from the proposed transaction will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected time period; risks related to the successful integration of the licensed asset with Pfizer's business; disruption from the transaction making it more difficult to maintain business and operational relationships; negative effects of this announcement or the consummation of the proposed transaction on the market price of Pfizer's common stock and/or operating results; significant transaction costs; unknown liabilities; the risk of litigation and/or regulatory actions related to the proposed transaction or SSGJ-707; manufacturing capabilities or capacity; other business effects and uncertainties, including the effects of industry, market, business, economic, political or regulatory conditions; future exchange and interest rates; risks and uncertainties related to issued or future executive orders or other new, or changes in, laws, regulations or policy; changes in tax and other laws, regulations, rates and policies; the uncertainties inherent in business and financial planning, including, without limitation, risks related to Pfizer's business and prospects, adverse developments in Pfizer's markets, or adverse developments in the U.S. or global capital markets, credit markets, regulatory environment, tariffs and other trade policies or economies generally; future business combinations or disposals; uncertainties regarding the commercial success of SSGJ-707 and Pfizer's commercialized and pipeline products; the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including the ability to meet anticipated clinical endpoints, commencement and/or completion dates for clinical trials, regulatory submission dates, regulatory approval dates and/or launch dates, as well as the possibility of unfavorable new clinical data and further analyses of existing clinical data; risks associated with preliminary or interim data; the risk that clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and assessments by regulatory authorities; whether regulatory authorities will be satisfied with the design of and results from the clinical studies; whether and when drug applications may be filed in any jurisdictions for SSGJ-707 or any of Pfizer's pipeline products; whether and when any such applications may be approved by regulatory authorities, which will depend on myriad factors, including making a determination as to whether the product's benefits outweigh its known risks and determination of the product's efficacy and, if approved, whether SSGJ-707 or any such other products will be commercially successful; decisions by regulatory authorities impacting labeling, manufacturing processes, safety and/or other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of SSGJ-707 or any such other products; uncertainties regarding the impact of COVID-19; and competitive developments.
A further description of risks and uncertainties can be found in Pfizer's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, and in its subsequent reports on Form 10-Q, including in the sections thereof captioned "Risk Factors" and "Forward-Looking Information and Factors That May Affect Future Results", as well as in its subsequent reports on Form 8-K, all of which are filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov and www.Pfizer.com .
Category: Corporate, Research and Pipeline
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250519321225/en/
Media Contact:
PfizerMediaRelations@Pfizer.com
+1 (212) 733-1226
Investor Contact:
IR@Pfizer.com
+1 (212) 733-4848
News Provided by Business Wire via QuoteMedia
Keep reading...Show less
14 May
Trump Signs Sweeping Order to Slash Drug Prices, Pressure Pharma Giants
US President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping executive order aimed at dramatically reducing prices for prescription drugs, vowing to end “foreign free-riding” on American pharmaceutical innovation.
The order directs federal agencies to pressure both drug manufacturers and wealthy foreign countries to bring their prices in line with those paid in the US, or face aggressive trade and regulatory actions.
“In case after case, our citizens pay massively higher prices than other nations pay for the same exact pill, from the same factory, effectively subsidizing socialism abroad with skyrocketing prices at home,” Trump states in the order.
The directive, which was shared on Monday (May 12), requires the administration to notify pharmaceutical companies of price targets meant to reflect the costs paid by economically comparable countries.
Companies have been given 30 days to receive these targets and six months to show meaningful progress or risk enforcement from agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission and the Food and Drug Administration.
The order would, if fully implemented, allow American patients to bypass traditional pharmacy middlemen and purchase medications directly from manufacturers at what Trump describes as “most-favored-nation” prices — this approach would tie US prices for some medicines to lower prices offered in other countries.
If companies refuse to comply voluntarily, the Department of Health and Human Services, now led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is tasked with proposing regulations to impose these prices and take “other aggressive measures” to lower drug costs, including investigations for anti-competitive behavior and potential revocation of drug approvals.
Trump has promoted the order as a cornerstone of his policy agenda to “put American patients first.” On social media, he claimed drug prices could fall by “59%, PLUS!” and added during a press briefing, “I guess even 90%.”
Despite the bold claims, experts and critics remain skeptical about the policy’s immediate effect on consumer costs.
John Barkett, managing director at consulting firm BRG and a former Biden administration advisor, likened Trump’s logic on pharmaceutical pricing to his views on international trade deficits.
“If we pay more than other countries, then he thinks we're getting ripped off,” Barkett commented.
He added that the executive order “will have no immediate impact on the American consumer,” citing how drug pricing is shaped more by insurance structures, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and hidden rebates than by list prices alone.
Indeed, the US drug pricing system is notoriously opaque. While Americans pay more than US$1,300 per capita annually on prescription drugs — more than double the average in other wealthy countries — the prices they actually pay at the pharmacy depend on a convoluted web of negotiated discounts, insurance copays and third-party rebates.
There are widespread consequences to the current setup. A 2023 survey by the Commonwealth Fund found nearly two in five Americans reported skipping or delaying prescriptions due to cost.
Nevertheless, critics argue Trump’s order may be more symbolic than substantive. US Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), a longtime advocate for drug price reform, dismissed the action as another performative gesture.
“Rather than changing the law, Trump issues another press release that will offer consumers little or nothing,” Doggett said. “Begging Big Pharma to show some benevolence to the taxpayers and consumers, whom they continue to price gouge, will do nothing to assure access to affordable medications.”
Internationally, Trump’s push has sparked uncertainty among America’s trading partners and pharmaceutical exporters. European governments have scrambled to interpret the implications of the order, especially Trump’s stated goal to force other wealthy nations to “pay more” for their medications.
“The uncertainty caused by the US is bad for the world,” said Danish Industry Minister Morten Bødskov in an interview with Reuters, confirming plans to meet with Denmark-based drugmakers in response to the order. “Danish pharmaceutical companies are among the best in the world … The message from Trump does not change that.”
Trump’s order revives a controversial proposal from his first term that would have pegged the prices of certain Medicare-covered drugs to an international pricing index. That initiative was blocked by a federal court before it could take effect.
This time, policy experts caution that the order’s ambitious goals may be difficult to realize without congressional action or structural reforms to the domestic drug pricing ecosystem — such as changes to PBMs or patent law.
Don't forget to follow us @INN_LifeScience for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Keep reading...Show less
06 May
5 Biggest Pharmaceutical ETFs in 2025
The global pharmaceutical market reached a total value of US$1.38 trillion in 2024, according to Research and Markets, up significantly from the US$888 billion seen just over a decade earlier in 2010.
Experienced and novice investors alike may want to consider pharmaceutical exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as a way to gain exposure to the top pharma companies. Like all ETFs, pharmaceutical ETFs are a good option for those who want to trade a set of assets in the pharmaceutical industry instead of focusing solely on individual pharmaceutical stocks.
The main advantage of a pharmaceutical ETF is the fact that it can provide exposure to an overarching sector, but still trades like a stock. Pharma ETFs also offer less market volatility and lower fees and expenses.
Big pharma ETFs
To help investors learn more about ETFs focused on the pharmaceutical sector, the Investing News Network presents the five top pharma ETFs by total assets under management, according to ETFdb.com.
Many of these funds have diverse holdings across some of the most important sectors in the pharmaceutical industry, including pain therapeutics, oncology, vaccines and biotechnology. Data was gathered on May 6, 2025.
1. VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF (NASDAQ:PPH)
Total assets under management: US$653.61 million
Established in late 2011, the VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF tracks the MVIS US Listed Pharmaceutical 25 Index. It has the capacity to provide big returns, even though there are some risks attached to the ETF. An analyst report indicates that investors looking for "tactical exposure" to the pharma sector might consider this ETF as an investment option.
The ETF has 25 holdings, with the top five being Eli Lilly (NYSE:LLY) at a weight of 12.17 percent, AbbVie (NYSE:ABBV) at 6.48 percent, Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) at 6.45 percent, Novartis (NYSE:NVS) at 5.43 percent and Cencora (NYSE:COR) at 5.34 percent.
2. iShares US Pharmaceuticals ETF (ARCA:IHE)
Total assets under management: US$571.51 million
Created on May 5, 2006, this iShares ETF tracks some of the top US pharma companies. In total, the iShares US Pharmaceuticals ETF has 41 holdings, with the vast majority being large-cap stocks.
Of its holdings, Eli Lilly and Johnson & Johnson are by far the largest portions in its portfolio, coming in at weightings of 24.55 percent and 23.38 percent, respectively. The next highest are Royalty Pharma (NASDAQ:RPRX) at 4.93 percent, Zoetis (NYSE:ZTS) at 4.80 percent and Viatris (NASDAQ:VTRS) at 4.57 percent.
3. Invesco Pharmaceuticals ETF (ARCA:PJP)
Total assets under management: US$240.1 million
The Invesco Pharmaceuticals ETF is primarily focused on providing exposure to US-based pharma companies. An analyst report states that this ETF chooses individual securities based on certain investment criteria, namely stock valuation and risk factors. Invesco changed the fund's name from the Invesco Dynamic Pharmaceuticals ETF in August 2023.
This ETF was started on June 23, 2005, and currently tracks 31 companies. Its top holdings are Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) with a weight of 5.2 percent, AbbVie at 5.17 percent, Johnson & Johnson at 5 percent, Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ:GILD) at 4.94 percent and Eli Lilly at 4.86 percent.
4. SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF (ARCA:XPH)
Total assets under management: US$139.14 million
The SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF came into the market on June 19, 2006, and represents the pharmaceutical sub-industry sector of the S&P Total Markets Index. An analyst report for the ETF suggests that due to its narrow focus — which includes pharma giants that post "big returns" during times of consolidation — it should not be considered for a long-term portfolio.
This pharma ETF tracks 43 holdings, with relatively close weighting among its holdings. XPH's top five holdings are Corcept Therapeutics (NASDAQ:CORT) with a weight of 5.26 percent, Eli Lilly at 3.99 percent, Royalty Pharma (NASDAQ:RPRX) at 3.98 percent, Zoetis at 3.87 percent and Johnson & Johnson at 3.81 percent.
5. KraneShares MSCI All China Health Care Index ETF (ARCA:KURE)
Total assets under management: US$82.86 million
The KraneShares MSCI All China Health Care Index ETF was launched in February 2018 and tracks an index of large- and mid-cap Chinese stocks in the healthcare sector, all weighted by market capitalization. According to an analyst report, the fund provides investors with "exposure to a relatively small slice of the Chinese economy."
The ETF tracks 46 holdings, and its top five are Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine (SHA:600276) at 8.33 percent, BeiGene (OTC Pink:BEIGF,HKEX:6160) at 7.88 percent, Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics (SZSE:300760) at 6.79 percent, Wuxi Biologics (OTC Pink:WXIBF,HKEX:2269) at 6.67 percent and Innovent Biologics (OTC Pink:IVBXF,HKEX:1801) at 5.51 percent.
This is an updated version of an article originally published by the Investing News Network in 2016.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_LifeScience for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no investment interest in any of the companies mentioned in this article.
Keep reading...Show less
29 April
Pfizer Reports Solid First-Quarter 2025 Results And Reaffirms 2025 Guidance
- Delivers Robust Earnings Performance, Successfully Navigating a Dynamic Environment
- Made Significant Progress Strengthening the R&D Organization
- On Track to Exceed Net Cost Savings Targets
Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) reported financial results for the first quarter of 2025 and reaffirmed its 2025 financial guidance (1) .
EXECUTIVE COMMENTARY
Dr. Albert Bourla, Chairman and CEO of Pfizer:
"We continued to execute with focus and discipline against our strategic priorities, including strengthening our R&D organization and driving improved productivity. With the underlying strength of our business, we believe we can be agile in navigating an uncertain and volatile external environment."
David Denton, CFO and EVP of Pfizer:
"Our overall solid first-quarter performance demonstrates our continued focus on commercial execution amid U.S. Medicare Part D headwinds. Our focus on operational efficiency and financial discipline is driving strong results to our bottom line. We are currently trending towards the upper end of our 2025 Adjusted diluted EPS guidance range."
OVERALL RESULTS
- First-Quarter 2025 Revenues of $13.7 Billion, Reported (2) Diluted EPS of $0.52, and Adjusted (3) Diluted EPS of $0.92
- On Track to Deliver Operating Margin Expansion from Ongoing Cost Realignment Program (4) with Approximately $4.5 Billion of Net Cost Savings by End of 2025, and Announces Additional Productivity Gains Expected Through 2027 Leveraging Digital Enablement and Process Simplification
- Additional Anticipated Net Cost Savings of Approximately $1.2 Billion (4) Primarily in SI&A by End of 2027
- Expanded Program to Include Anticipated R&D Re-Organization Cost Savings of Approximately $500 Million by End of 2026, with Savings to be Reinvested in the Pipeline
- First Phase of Manufacturing Optimization Program On Track to Deliver Approximately $1.5 Billion in Net Cost Savings by End of 2027 with Initial Savings Anticipated in the Latter Part of 2025
Some amounts in this press release may not add due to rounding. All percentages have been calculated using unrounded amounts. References to operational variances pertain to period-over-period changes that exclude the impact of foreign exchange rates (5) .
Results for the first quarter of 2025 and 2024 (6) are summarized below.
($ in millions, except per share amounts) | First-Quarter | |||||||
2025 | 2024 | % Change | ||||||
Revenues | $ | 13,715 | $ | 14,879 | (8 | %) | ||
Reported (2) Net Income | 2,967 | 3,115 | (5 | %) | ||||
Reported (2) Diluted EPS | 0.52 | 0.55 | (5 | %) | ||||
Adjusted (3) Income | 5,237 | 4,674 | 12 | % | ||||
Adjusted (3) Diluted EPS | 0.92 | 0.82 | 12 | % | ||||
REVENUES
($ in millions) | First-Quarter | |||||||||
2025 | 2024 | % Change | ||||||||
Total | Oper. | |||||||||
Global Biopharmaceuticals Business (Biopharma) | $ | 13,441 | $ | 14,604 | (8 | %) | (6 | %) | ||
Pfizer CentreOne (PC1) | 257 | 258 | — | 2 | % | |||||
Pfizer Ignite | 17 | 17 | (3 | %) | (3 | %) | ||||
TOTAL REVENUES | $ | 13,715 | $ | 14,879 | (8 | %) | (6 | %) | ||
2025 FINANCIAL GUIDANCE (1)
- Reaffirms All Components of Full-Year 2025 Financial Guidance (1) , including Revenues in a Range of $61.0 to $64.0 Billion and Adjusted (3) Diluted EPS in a Range of $2.80 to $3.00. The company's reaffirmed guidance does not currently include any potential impact related to future tariffs and trade policy changes, which we are unable to predict at this time.
Pfizer's 2025 financial guidance (1) is presented below.
Revenues | $61.0 to $64.0 billion |
Adjusted (3) SI&A Expenses | $13.3 to $14.3 billion |
Adjusted (3) R&D Expenses | $10.7 to $11.7 billion |
Effective Tax Rate on Adjusted (3) Income | Approximately 15.0% |
Adjusted (3) Diluted EPS | $2.80 to $3.00 |
CAPITAL ALLOCATION
During the first three months of 2025, Pfizer deployed its capital in a variety of ways, which primarily included:
- Reinvesting capital into initiatives intended to enhance the future growth prospects of the company, including:
- $2.2 billion invested in internal research and development projects, and
- Approximately $90 million invested in business development transactions.
- Returning capital directly to shareholders through $2.4 billion of cash dividends, or $0.43 per share of common stock.
No share repurchases have been completed to date in 2025. As of April 29, 2025, Pfizer's remaining share repurchase authorization is $3.3 billion. Current financial guidance does not anticipate any share repurchases in 2025. Pfizer has actively de-levered and as of March 30, 2025 is below our previously stated gross leverage (7) target. The company expects to continue to de-lever in a prudent manner in order to maintain a balanced capital allocation strategy. This includes maintaining the flexibility to deploy capital towards potential value-creating business development transactions and the potential to return capital to shareholders through share repurchases.
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding of 5,710 million and 5,697 million were used to calculate Reported (2) and Adjusted (3) diluted EPS for first-quarter 2025 and 2024, respectively.
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (First-Quarter 2025 vs. First-Quarter 2024)
First-quarter 2025 revenues totaled $13.7 billion, a decrease of $1.2 billion, or 8%, compared to the prior-year quarter, reflecting an operational decrease of $908 million, or 6%, as well as an unfavorable impact of foreign exchange of $256 million, or 2%. The operational decrease was primarily driven by a decline in Paxlovid revenues, partially offset by growth from the Vyndaqel family, Comirnaty (8) , and several other products across categories despite the unfavorable impact of higher manufacturer discounts resulting from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Medicare Part D Redesign.
First-quarter 2025 operational revenue reflected higher revenues primarily for:
- Vyndaqel family (Vyndaqel, Vyndamax, Vynmac) globally, up 33% operationally, driven largely by strong demand with continuing uptake in patient diagnosis, primarily in the U.S. and international developed markets; partially offset by lower net price in the U.S. mostly due to the impact of higher manufacturer discounts resulting from the IRA Medicare Part D Redesign;
- Comirnaty (8) globally, up 62% operationally, driven primarily by higher revenues in the U.S. reflecting lower expected returns and higher market share, as well as higher contractual deliveries in certain international markets;
- Padcev globally, up 25% operationally, driven primarily by increased market share in first-line metastatic urothelial cancer (mUC);
- Nurtec ODT/Vydura globally, up 40% operationally, driven primarily by strong demand in the U.S. and favorable changes in channel mix and, to a much lesser extent, recent launches in certain international markets; and
- Lorbrena globally, up 39% operationally, driven primarily by increased patient share in the first-line ALK-positive metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (ALK+ mNSCLC) treatment setting in the U.S., China, and certain other international markets;
more than offset primarily by lower revenues for:
- Paxlovid globally, down $1.5 billion or 75% operationally, mostly driven by the U.S. market in part due to the non-recurrence of the $771 million favorable final adjustment (9) recorded in the first quarter of 2024 to the estimated non-cash revenue reversal of $3.5 billion recorded in the fourth quarter of 2023. The year-over-year decline was also attributable to both (i) lower COVID-19 infections across U.S. and international markets and (ii) lower international government purchases;
- Eliquis globally, down 4% operationally, driven primarily by lower net price in the U.S. including the impact of higher manufacturer discounts resulting from the IRA Medicare Part D Redesign; partially offset by strong underlying demand as well as higher revenues in international markets partly due to timing of shipments;
- Xeljanz globally, down 31% operationally, mostly driven by lower net price in the U.S. due to unfavorable changes in channel mix as well as the impact of higher manufacturer discounts resulting from the IRA Medicare Part D Redesign; and
- Ibrance globally, down 6% operationally, driven primarily by generic entry and timing of shipments in certain international markets, as well as lower net price in the U.S. mostly due to the impact of higher manufacturer discounts resulting from the IRA Medicare Part D Redesign.
GAAP Reported (2) Statement of Operations Highlights
SELECTED REPORTED (2) COSTS AND EXPENSES
($ in millions) | First-Quarter | |||||||||
2025 | 2024 | % Change | ||||||||
Total | Oper. | |||||||||
Cost of Sales (2) | $ | 2,845 | $ | 3,379 | (16 | %) | (9 | %) | ||
Percent of Revenues | 20.7 | % | 22.7 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||
SI&A Expenses (2) | 3,031 | 3,495 | (13 | %) | (12 | %) | ||||
R&D Expenses (2) | 2,203 | 2,493 | (12 | %) | (11 | %) | ||||
Acquired IPR&D Expenses (2) | 9 | — | * | * | ||||||
Other (Income)/Deductions—net (2) | 953 | 680 | 40 | % | 54 | % | ||||
Effective Tax Rate on Reported (2) Income | (6.8 | %) | 8.6 | % | ||||||
* Indicates calculation not meaningful or results are greater than 100%. |
First-quarter 2025 Cost of Sales (2) as a percentage of revenues decreased by 2.0 percentage points compared to the prior-year quarter, driven primarily by a favorable revision of our estimate of accrued royalties and the favorable impact of foreign exchange, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of changes in sales mix as well as the non-recurrence of the Paxlovid favorable final adjustment (9) recorded in the first quarter of 2024 to the estimated non-cash revenue reversal recorded in the fourth quarter of 2023.
First-quarter 2025 SI&A Expenses (2) decreased 12% operationally compared with the prior-year quarter, primarily reflecting ongoing productivity improvements that drove a decrease in marketing and promotional spend for various products and lower spending in corporate enabling functions, as well as lower spending on COVID-19 products.
First-quarter 2025 R&D Expenses (2) decreased 11% operationally compared with the prior-year quarter, driven primarily by a net decrease in spending due to pipeline focus and optimization, as well as lower compensation-related expenses.
The unfavorable period-over-period change in Other (income)/deductions—net (2) of $273 million for the first quarter of 2025, compared with the prior-year quarter, was driven primarily by (i) net losses on equity securities in the first quarter of 2025 versus net gains on equity securities in the first quarter of 2024, (ii) the non-recurrence of a gain on the partial sale of our investment in Haleon plc in the first quarter of 2024 and (iii) higher intangible asset impairment charges; partially offset by (iv) lower net interest expense.
Pfizer's effective tax rate on Reported (2) income for the first quarter of 2025 is negative, primarily due to favorable global income tax resolutions in multiple tax jurisdictions spanning multiple tax years, as well as a favorable change in the jurisdictional mix of earnings.
Adjusted (3) Statement of Operations Highlights
SELECTED ADJUSTED (3) COSTS AND EXPENSES
($ in millions) | First-Quarter | |||||||||
2025 | 2024 | % Change | ||||||||
Total | Oper. | |||||||||
Adjusted (3) Cost of Sales | $ | 2,593 | $ | 3,036 | (15 | %) | (8 | %) | ||
Percent of Revenues | 18.9 | % | 20.4 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||
Adjusted (3) SI&A Expenses | 3,010 | 3,454 | (13 | %) | (12 | %) | ||||
Adjusted (3) R&D Expenses | 2,173 | 2,477 | (12 | %) | (12 | %) | ||||
Adjusted (3) Other (Income)/Deductions—net | 246 | 296 | (17 | %) | 14 | % | ||||
Effective Tax Rate on Adjusted (3) Income | 7.8 | % | 16.6 | % |
See the reconciliations of certain Reported (2) to non-GAAP Adjusted (3) financial measures and associated footnotes in the financial tables section of this press release located at the hyperlink below.
RECENT NOTABLE DEVELOPMENTS (Since February 4, 2025)
Product Developments
Product/Project | Milestone | Recent Development | Link |
Abrysvo | Regulatory | April 2025. Announced the European Commission (EC) amended the marketing authorization for Abrysvo to extend the indication to include prevention of lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in individuals 18 through 59 years of age. The authorization is valid in all 27 EU member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. | |
ACIP Vote | April 2025. Announced the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to expand its recommendation for the use of RSV vaccines approved for adults 50-59 years of age at increased risk of RSV-associated LRTD, which includes Abrysvo. The updated ACIP recommendation, which lowers the recommended age for RSV vaccination from 60 to 50 for high-risk adults, is pending final approval by the director of the CDC and the Department of Health and Human Services. | ||
Adcetris (brentuximab vedotin) | Regulatory | February 2025. Announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for Adcetris in combination with lenalidomide and a rituximab product for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL), including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) not otherwise specified, DLBCL arising from indolent lymphoma, or high-grade B-cell lymphoma, after two or more lines of systemic therapy who are not eligible for autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) or chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. | |
Padcev | Phase 3 Results | February 2025. Pfizer and Astellas Pharma Inc. presented additional follow-up results from the Phase 3 EV-302 clinical trial (also known as KEYNOTE-A39) evaluating the efficacy and safety of Padcev plus Keytruda (10) (pembrolizumab, a PD-1 inhibitor) in patients with previously untreated locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer (la/mUC). The results showed a sustained overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) benefit consistent with the findings of the primary analysis after an additional 12 months of follow-up (median follow-up of 29.1 months), with no new safety signals identified. | |
Talzenna (talazoparib) | Phase 3 Results | February 2025. Announced positive OS results from the Phase 3 TALAPRO-2 study of Talzenna, an oral poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, in combination with Xtandi (enzalutamide), an androgen receptor pathway inhibitor (ARPI), demonstrating a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in OS compared to placebo plus Xtandi in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), with or without homologous recombination repair (HRR) gene mutations. The safety profile of Talzenna plus Xtandi was generally consistent with the known safety profile of each medicine. |
Pipeline Developments
A comprehensive update of Pfizer's development pipeline was published today and is now available at www.pfizer.com/science/drug-product-pipeline . It includes an overview of Pfizer's research and a list of compounds in development with targeted indication and phase of development, as well as mechanism of action for some candidates in Phase 1 and all candidates from Phase 2 through registration.
Product/Project | Milestone | Recent Development | Link |
danuglipron | Discontinued | April 2025. Announced the decision to discontinue development of danuglipron (PF-06882961), an oral glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, which was being investigated for chronic weight management. This decision followed a review of the totality of information, including all clinical data generated to date for danuglipron and recent input from regulators. The company remains committed to evaluating and advancing promising programs for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, including obesity. | |
sasanlimab | Phase 3 Results | April 2025. Presented results from the pivotal Phase 3 CREST trial of sasanlimab, an investigational anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody (mAb), in combination with standard of care (SOC) Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) as induction therapy with or without maintenance in patients with BCG-naïve, high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). The findings showed a 32% reduction in risk of disease-related events, including high-grade disease recurrence or progression, with the sasanlimab combination regimen as compared with SOC treatment alone. The overall safety profile of sasanlimab in combination with BCG was generally consistent with the known profile of BCG and data reported from clinical trials with sasanlimab. The profile of sasanlimab was also generally consistent with the reported safety profile of PD-1 inhibitors. Pfizer has shared these data with global health authorities to support potential regulatory filings. | |
vepdegestrant | Phase 3 Results | March 2025. Arvinas, Inc. and Pfizer announced topline results from the Phase 3 VERITAC-2 clinical trial (NCT05654623) evaluating vepdegestrant monotherapy versus fulvestrant in adults with estrogen receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (ER+/HER2-) advanced or metastatic breast cancer whose disease progressed following prior treatment with cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitors and endocrine therapy. The trial met its primary endpoint in the estrogen receptor 1-mutant (ESR1m) population, demonstrating a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in PFS compared to fulvestrant. The results exceeded the pre-specified target hazard ratio of 0.60 in the ESR1m population. The trial did not reach statistical significance in improvement in PFS in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population. |
Corporate Developments
Topic | Recent Development | Link |
Cost Realignment Program (4) | Announced at Q1-2025 Earnings. Pfizer announced approximately $1.2 billion of additional anticipated savings associated with its ongoing cost realignment program (4) , expected to be achieved by the end of 2027, designed to further reduce costs primarily in SI&A driven in large part by enhanced digital enablement, including automation and AI, and simplification of business processes. We expect one-time costs to achieve the additional savings to be incurred through 2027 and to total approximately $1.6 billion, primarily representing cash expenditures for severance, digital enablement and implementation. | N/A |
Announced at Q1-2025 Earnings. In connection with our efforts to simplify the structure and sharpen the focus of our R&D organization, in the first quarter of 2025 we expanded this program after having identified additional opportunities to drive improvements in productivity and operational efficiencies through enhanced digital enablement, including automation and AI, and simplification of business processes. Savings associated with the simplification of our R&D organization are anticipated to be realized by the end of 2026 and are expected to total approximately $500 million and be reinvested in R&D programs. We expect one-time costs to implement these initiatives to be incurred through 2026 and to total approximately $600 million, primarily representing cash expenditures for severance, digital enablement and implementation. | N/A | |
Haleon Stock Sale | March 2025. Pfizer sold 618 million ordinary shares of its investment in Haleon to institutional investors and separately Haleon purchased 44 million ordinary shares from Pfizer for a combined total net proceeds of approximately $3.3 billion. This follows the previously announced sale of 700 million Haleon shares in January 2025 which resulted in approximately $3.0 billion in net cash proceeds. Pfizer has fully exited its position in Haleon. | N/A |
R&D Leadership | March 2025. James List, M.D., Ph.D., joined Pfizer as Chief Internal Medicine Officer, overseeing the company's Internal Medicine portfolio, from early discovery to late development, inclusive of Medical Affairs and Business Development strategies. He is responsible for advancing Pfizer's emerging pipeline of cardiovascular, metabolic, and obesity medicines. Dr. List reports to Chris Boshoff, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer and President, Pfizer Research & Development. | |
February 2025. Announced Jeffrey Legos, Ph.D., MBA, will join Pfizer as Chief Oncology Officer and will be responsible for leading the company's Oncology R&D, overseeing all functions from pre-clinical to late-stage clinical development activities. Dr. Legos will report to Chris Boshoff, and will succeed Roger Dansey, M.D., Interim Chief Oncology Officer, who will transition to retirement as previously communicated. | ||
February 2025. Announced Patrizia Cavazzoni, M.D., rejoined Pfizer as Chief Medical Officer, Executive Vice President. In this role, Dr. Cavazzoni leads Pfizer's regulatory, pharmacovigilance, safety, epidemiology, and medical information and evidence generation, among other medical functions, and reports to Chris Boshoff. |
Pfizer TO HOST CONFERENCE CALL
Please find Pfizer's press release and associated financial tables, including reconciliations of certain GAAP reported to non-GAAP adjusted information, at the following hyperlink:
https://investors.pfizer.com/Q1-2025-PFE-Earnings-Release
(Note: If clicking on the above link does not open a new webpage, you may need to cut and paste the above URL into your browser's address bar.)
Pfizer will host a live conference call and webcast today at 10:00 AM EDT. To access the live conference call and view the first-quarter 2025 earnings presentation, accompanying prepared remarks from management, and infographic, visit our website at pfizer.com/investors .
You can also listen to the conference call by dialing either 800-456-4352 in the U.S. and Canada or 785-424-1086 outside of the U.S. and Canada. The passcode is "67619".
The transcript and webcast replay of the call will be made available on our website at pfizer.com/investors within 24 hours after the end of the live conference call and will be accessible for at least 90 days.
For additional details, see the financial schedules and product revenue table within the press release located at the hyperlink above, and the attached disclosure notice.
(1) | Pfizer does not provide guidance for U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) Reported financial measures (other than revenues) or a reconciliation of forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP Reported financial measures on a forward-looking basis because it is unable to predict with reasonable certainty the ultimate outcome of unusual gains and losses, certain acquisition-related expenses, gains and losses from equity securities, actuarial gains and losses from pension and postretirement plan remeasurements, potential future asset impairments and pending litigation without unreasonable effort. These items are uncertain, depend on various factors, and could have a material impact on GAAP Reported results for the guidance period. | |
Financial guidance for full-year 2025 reflects the following:
| ||
(2) | Revenues is defined as revenues in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Reported net income and its components are defined as net income attributable to Pfizer Inc. common shareholders and its components in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Reported diluted earnings per share (EPS) is defined as diluted EPS attributable to Pfizer Inc. common shareholders in accordance with U.S. GAAP. | |
(3) | Adjusted income and Adjusted diluted EPS are defined as U.S. GAAP net income attributable to Pfizer Inc. common shareholders and U.S. GAAP diluted EPS attributable to Pfizer Inc. common shareholders before the impact of amortization of intangible assets, certain acquisition-related items, discontinued operations and certain significant items. See the accompanying reconciliations of certain GAAP Reported to Non-GAAP Adjusted information for the first quarter of 2025 and 2024 in the press release at the hyperlink above. Adjusted income and its components and Adjusted diluted EPS measures are not, and should not be viewed as, substitutes for U.S. GAAP net income and its components and diluted EPS (2) . See the Non-GAAP Financial Measure: Adjusted Income section of Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Pfizer's 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the accompanying Non-GAAP Financial Measure: Adjusted Income section of the press release located at the hyperlink above for a definition of each component of Adjusted income as well as other relevant information. | |
(4) | Approximately $4.5 billion of overall net cost savings from Pfizer's ongoing cost realignment program are expected to be achieved by the end of 2025. An additional approximately $1.2 billion of anticipated net cost savings is expected to be fully achieved by the end of 2027. The net cost savings are calculated versus the midpoint of Pfizer's 2023 SI&A and R&D expense guidance provided on August 1, 2023. | |
(5) | References to operational variances in this press release pertain to period-over-period changes that exclude the impact of foreign exchange rates. Although foreign exchange rate changes are part of Pfizer's business, they are not within Pfizer's control and because they can mask positive or negative trends in the business, Pfizer believes presenting operational variances excluding these foreign exchange changes provides useful information to evaluate Pfizer's results. | |
(6) | Pfizer's fiscal year-end for international subsidiaries is November 30 while Pfizer's fiscal year-end for U.S. subsidiaries is December 31. Therefore, Pfizer's first quarter for U.S. subsidiaries reflects the three months ended on March 30, 2025 and March 31, 2024, while Pfizer's first quarter for subsidiaries operating outside the U.S. reflects the three months ended on February 23, 2025 and February 25, 2024. | |
(7) | Gross leverage (Adjusted Debt to Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA ratio) is determined by comparing our total debt (including short-term borrowings, long-term debt, repatriation tax, and lease liabilities (short- and long-term)) as of March 30, 2025 to Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA. Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA is determined by making the following adjustments to GAAP Income from continuing operations before provision/(benefit) for taxes on income : (i) adding net interest expense, depreciation & amortization, acquisition-related charges, restructuring charges and asset impairment charges; and (ii) adjusting by actuarial valuation and other pension and postretirement plan gains/(losses), gains/(losses) on equity securities, and certain other certain significant items. | |
(8) | As used in this document, "Comirnaty" refers to, as applicable, and as authorized or approved, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine; Comirnaty (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) original monovalent formula; the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent (Original and Omicron BA.4/BA.5); the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine (2023-2024 Formula); Comirnaty (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) 2023-2024 Formula; Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine (2024-2025 Formula); Comirnaty (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) 2024-2025 Formula; Comirnaty Original/Omicron BA.1; Comirnaty Original/Omicron BA.4/BA.5; Comirnaty Omicron XBB.1.5; Comirnaty JN.1 and Comirnaty KP.2. "Comirnaty" includes product revenues and alliance revenues related to sales of the above-mentioned vaccines. | |
(9) | First-quarter 2024 Paxlovid revenue included a $771 million favorable final adjustment to the estimated non-cash revenue reversal of $3.5 billion recorded in fourth-quarter 2023, reflecting 5.1 million EUA-labeled treatment courses returned by the U.S. government through February 29, 2024 versus the estimated 6.5 million treatment courses that were expected to be returned as of December 31, 2023. | |
(10) | Keytruda® is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. |
DISCLOSURE NOTICE: Except where otherwise noted, the information contained in this earnings release and the related attachments is as of April 29, 2025. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this earnings release and the related attachments as a result of new information or future events or developments.
This earnings release and the related attachments contain forward-looking statements about, among other topics, our anticipated operating and financial performance, including financial guidance and projections; reorganizations; business plans, strategy, goals and prospects; expectations for our product pipeline, in-line products and product candidates, including anticipated regulatory submissions, data read-outs, study starts, approvals, launches, discontinuations, clinical trial results and other developing data, revenue contribution and projections, potential pricing and reimbursement, potential market dynamics, including demand, market size and utilization rates and growth, performance, timing of exclusivity and potential benefits; strategic reviews; leverage and capital allocation objectives; an enterprise-wide cost realignment program (including anticipated costs, savings and potential benefits); a Manufacturing Optimization Program to reduce our cost of goods sold (including anticipated costs, savings and potential benefits); dividends and share repurchases; plans for and prospects of our acquisitions, dispositions and other business development activities, including our December 2023 acquisition of Seagen, and our ability to successfully capitalize on growth opportunities and prospects; manufacturing and product supply; our ongoing efforts to respond to COVID-19; our expectations regarding the impact of COVID-19 on our business, operations and financial results; and the expected seasonality of demand for certain of our products. Given their forward-looking nature, these statements involve substantial risks, uncertainties and potentially inaccurate assumptions and we cannot assure that any outcome expressed in these forward-looking statements will be realized in whole or in part. You can identify these statements by the fact that they use future dates or use words such as "will," "may," "could," "likely," "ongoing," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "intend," "plan," "believe," "assume," "target," "forecast," "guidance," "goal," "objective," "aim," "seek," "potential," "hope" and other words and terms of similar meaning. Pfizer's financial guidance is based on estimates and assumptions that are subject to significant uncertainties.
Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from past results and future plans and projected future results are the following:
Risks Related to Our Business, Industry and Operations, and Business Development:
- the outcome of research and development (R&D) activities, including the ability to meet anticipated pre-clinical or clinical endpoints, commencement and/or completion dates for our pre-clinical or clinical trials, regulatory submission dates, and/or regulatory approval and/or launch dates; the possibility of unfavorable pre-clinical and clinical trial results, including the possibility of unfavorable new pre-clinical or clinical data and further analyses of existing pre-clinical or clinical data; risks associated with preliminary, early stage or interim data; the risk that pre-clinical and clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and assessments, including during the peer review/publication process, in the scientific community generally, and by regulatory authorities; whether and when additional data from our pipeline programs will be published in scientific journal publications, and if so, when and with what modifications and interpretations; and uncertainties regarding the future development of our product candidates, including whether or when our product candidates will advance to future studies or phases of development or whether or when regulatory applications may be filed for any of our product candidates;
- our ability to successfully address comments received from regulatory authorities such as the FDA or the EMA, or obtain approval for new products and indications from regulators on a timely basis or at all;
- regulatory decisions impacting labeling, approval or authorization, including the scope of indicated patient populations, product dosage, manufacturing processes, safety and/or other matters, including decisions relating to emerging developments regarding potential product impurities; uncertainties regarding the ability to obtain or maintain, and the scope of, recommendations by technical or advisory committees, and the timing of, and ability to obtain, pricing approvals and product launches, all of which could impact the availability or commercial potential of our products and product candidates;
- claims and concerns that may arise regarding the safety or efficacy of in-line products and product candidates, including claims and concerns that may arise from the conduct or outcome of post-approval clinical trials, pharmacovigilance or Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies, which could impact marketing approval, product labeling, and/or availability or commercial potential;
- the success and impact of external business development activities, including the ability to identify and execute on potential business development opportunities; the ability to satisfy the conditions to closing of announced transactions in the anticipated time frame or at all; the ability to realize the anticipated benefits of any such transactions in the anticipated time frame or at all; the potential need for and impact of additional equity or debt financing to pursue these opportunities, which has in the past and could in the future result in increased leverage and/or a downgrade of our credit ratings and could limit our ability to obtain future financing; challenges integrating the businesses and operations; disruption to business or operations relationships; risks related to growing revenues for certain acquired or partnered products; significant transaction costs; and unknown liabilities;
- competition, including from new product entrants, in-line branded products, generic products, private label products, biosimilars and product candidates that treat or prevent diseases and conditions similar to those treated or intended to be prevented by our in-line products and product candidates;
- the ability to successfully market both new and existing products, including biosimilars;
- difficulties or delays in manufacturing, sales or marketing; supply disruptions, shortages or stock-outs at our facilities or third-party facilities that we rely on; and legal or regulatory actions;
- the impact of public health outbreaks, epidemics or pandemics (such as COVID-19) on our business, operations and financial condition and results, including impacts on our employees, manufacturing, supply chain, sales and marketing, R&D and clinical trials;
- risks and uncertainties related to Comirnaty and Paxlovid or any potential future COVID-19 vaccines, treatments or combinations, including, among others, the risk that as the market for COVID-19 products remains endemic and seasonal, demand for our COVID-19 products has and may continue to be reduced or not meet expectations, which has in the past and may continue to lead to reduced revenues, excess inventory or other unanticipated charges; risks related to our ability to develop and commercialize variant adapted vaccines, combinations and/or treatments; uncertainties related to recommendations and coverage for, and the public's adherence to, vaccines, boosters, treatments or combinations; and potential third-party royalties or other claims related to Comirnaty and Paxlovid;
- trends toward managed care and healthcare cost containment, and our ability to obtain or maintain timely or adequate pricing or favorable formulary placement for our products;
- interest rate and foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, including the impact of global trade tensions, as well as currency devaluations and monetary policy actions in countries experiencing high inflation or deflation rates;
- any significant issues involving our largest wholesale distributors or government customers, which account for a substantial portion of our revenues;
- the impact of the increased presence of counterfeit medicines, vaccines or other products in the pharmaceutical supply chain;
- any significant issues related to the outsourcing of certain operational and staff functions to third parties;
- any significant issues related to our JVs and other third-party business arrangements, including modifications or disputes related to supply agreements or other contracts with customers including governments or other payors;
- uncertainties related to general economic, political, business, industry, regulatory and market conditions including, without limitation, uncertainties related to the impact on us, our customers, suppliers and lenders and counterparties to our foreign-exchange and interest-rate agreements of challenging global economic conditions, such as inflation or interest rate fluctuations, and recent and possible future changes in global financial markets;
- the exposure of our operations globally to possible capital and exchange controls, economic conditions, expropriation, sanctions, tariffs and/or other restrictive government actions, changes in intellectual property legal protections and remedies, unstable governments and legal systems and inter-governmental disputes;
- risks and uncertainties related to issued or future executive orders or other new, or changes in, laws, regulations or policy regarding tariffs;
- the risk and impact of tariffs on our business, which is subject to a number of factors including, but not limited to, restrictions on trade, the effective date and duration of such tariffs, countries included in the scope of tariffs, changes to amounts of tariffs, and potential retaliatory tariffs or other retaliatory actions imposed by other countries;
- the impact of disruptions related to climate change and natural disasters;
- any changes in business, political and economic conditions due to actual or threatened terrorist activity, geopolitical instability, political or civil unrest or military action, including the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and in the Middle East and the resulting economic or other consequences;
- the impact of product recalls, withdrawals and other unusual items, including uncertainties related to regulator-directed risk evaluations and assessments, such as our ongoing evaluation of our product portfolio for the potential presence or formation of nitrosamines, and our voluntary withdrawal of all lots of Oxbryta in all markets where it is approved and any regulatory or other impact on Oxbryta and other sickle cell disease assets;
- trade buying patterns;
- the risk of an impairment charge related to our intangible assets, goodwill or equity-method investments;
- the impact of, and risks and uncertainties related to, restructurings and internal reorganizations, as well as any other corporate strategic initiatives and growth strategies, and cost-reduction and productivity initiatives, including any potential future phases, each of which requires upfront costs but may fail to yield anticipated benefits and may result in unexpected costs, organizational disruption, adverse effects on employee morale, retention issues or other unintended consequences;
- the ability to successfully achieve our climate-related goals and progress our environmental sustainability and other priorities;
Risks Related to Government Regulation and Legal Proceedings:
- the impact of any U.S. healthcare reform or legislation, including executive orders or other change in laws, regulations or policy, or any significant spending reduction or cost control efforts affecting Medicare, Medicaid, the 340B Drug Pricing Program or other publicly funded or subsidized health programs, including the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) and the IRA Medicare Part D Redesign, or changes in the tax treatment of employer-sponsored health insurance that may be implemented;
- U.S. federal or state legislation or regulatory action and/or policy efforts affecting, among other things, pharmaceutical product pricing, intellectual property, reimbursement or access to or recommendations for our medicines and vaccines, taxes or other restrictions on U.S. direct-to-consumer advertising; limitations on interactions with healthcare professionals and other industry stakeholders; as well as pricing pressures for our products as a result of highly competitive biopharmaceutical markets;
- risks and uncertainties related to potential changes to vaccine or other healthcare policy in the U.S.;
- legislation or regulatory action in markets outside of the U.S., such as China or Europe, including, without limitation, laws related to pharmaceutical product pricing, intellectual property, medical regulation, environmental protections, reimbursement or access, including, in particular, continued government-mandated reductions in prices and access restrictions for certain products to control costs in those markets;
- legal defense costs, insurance expenses, settlement costs and contingencies, including without limitation, those related to legal proceedings and actual or alleged environmental contamination;
- the risk and impact of an adverse decision or settlement and risk related to the adequacy of reserves related to legal proceedings;
- the risk and impact of tax related litigation and investigations;
- governmental laws, regulations and policies affecting our operations, including, without limitation, the IRA, as well as changes in such laws, regulations or policies or their interpretation, including, among others, changes in tariffs, tax laws and regulations internationally and in the U.S., the adoption of global minimum taxation requirements outside the U.S. generally effective in most jurisdictions since January 1, 2024, government cost-cutting measures and related impacts on, among other matters, government staffing, resources and ability to timely review and process regulatory or other submissions, and potential changes to existing tax laws, tariffs, or changes to other laws, regulations or policies in the U.S., including by the U.S. Presidential administration and Congress, as well as in other countries;
Risks Related to Intellectual Property, Technology and Cybersecurity:
- the risk that our currently pending or future patent applications may not be granted on a timely basis or at all, or any patent-term extensions that we seek may not be granted on a timely basis, if at all;
- risks to our products, patents and other intellectual property, such as: (i) claims of invalidity that could result in loss of patent coverage; (ii) claims of patent infringement, including asserted and/or unasserted intellectual property claims; (iii) claims we may assert against intellectual property rights held by third parties; (iv) challenges faced by our collaboration or licensing partners to the validity of their patent rights; or (v) any pressure from, or legal or regulatory action by, various stakeholders or governments that could potentially result in us not seeking intellectual property protection or agreeing not to enforce or being restricted from enforcing intellectual property rights related to our products, including Comirnaty and Paxlovid;
- any significant breakdown or interruption of our information technology systems and infrastructure (including cloud services);
- any business disruption, theft of confidential or proprietary information, security threats on facilities or infrastructure, extortion or integrity compromise resulting from a cyber-attack, which may include those using adversarial artificial intelligence techniques, or other malfeasance by, but not limited to, nation states, employees, business partners or others; and
- risks and challenges related to the use of software and services that include artificial intelligence-based functionality and other emerging technologies.
Should known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize or should underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, actual results could vary materially from past results and those anticipated, estimated or projected. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. A further list and description of risks, uncertainties and other matters can be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and in our subsequent reports on Form 10-Q, in each case including in the sections thereof captioned "Forward-Looking Information and Factors That May Affect Future Results" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors," and in our subsequent reports on Form 8-K.
This earnings release may include discussion of certain clinical studies relating to various in-line products and/or product candidates. These studies typically are part of a larger body of clinical data relating to such products or product candidates, and the discussion herein should be considered in the context of the larger body of data. In addition, clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations, and, even when we view data as sufficient to support the safety and/or effectiveness of a product candidate or a new indication for an in-line product, regulatory authorities may not share our views and may require additional data or may deny approval altogether.
The information contained on our website or any third-party website is not incorporated by reference into this earnings release. All trademarks mentioned are the property of their owners.
Certain of the products and product candidates discussed in this earnings release are being co-researched, co-developed and/or co-promoted in collaboration with other companies for which Pfizer's rights vary by market or are the subject of agreements pursuant to which Pfizer has commercialization rights in certain markets.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250429774693/en/
Media
PfizerMediaRelations@Pfizer.com
212.733.1226
Investors
IR@Pfizer.com
212.733.4848
News Provided by Business Wire via QuoteMedia
Keep reading...Show less
Latest Press Releases
Related News
TOP STOCKS
American Battery4.030.24
Aion Therapeutic0.10-0.01
Cybin Corp2.140.00
Investing News Network websites or approved third-party tools use cookies. Please refer to the cookie policy for collected data, privacy and GDPR compliance. By continuing to browse the site, you agree to our use of cookies.