New York, NY, 2010 - Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) announced today that it has partnered with the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) to support "Rare Disease Day" to raise awareness of rare diseases, which affect nearly 30 million Americans and countless others around the world, as an important global public health concern.
"The celebration of NORD Rare Disease Day comes at an exciting time for Pfizer as we begin to explore a portfolio for rare and orphan diseases leveraging our reputation for quality, safety and innovation," said Geno Germano, President & General Manager of Pfizer's Specialty Care business unit.
Pfizer is just one of the many supporters in the U.S. partnering with NORD to help raise awareness for Rare Disease Day. The coalition includes patient organizations, professional societies, government agencies, medical researchers, and pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.
"People with rare diseases remain a medically underserved population in every country," said Peter L. Saltonstall, president and CEO of the NORD, which is sponsoring Rare Disease Day in the U.S. "This day will bring together patients and families around the globe who are dealing with some very challenging issues."
According to NORD, Rare Disease Day activities in the U.S. will include a nationwide network of online videos, patient stories and blogs; newspaper, radio, and television reports; state and municipal proclamations; a Rare Disease Hall of Fame for researchers; and other activities designed to raise awareness of what it means to have a rare disease. Rare Disease Day also is observed in Europe, Canada, Australia, and China.
In November 2009, Pfizer's Established Products Business Unit entered into a license and supply agreement with Protalix BioTherapeutics, Inc. (NYSE-Amex:PLX) to develop and commercialize taliglucerase alfa for the treatment of Gaucher disease. Gaucher disease is one of the nearly 7,000 identified rare diseases that will be recognized on Rare Disease Day. Gaucher disease is a rare inherited lysosomal storage disorder that affects about 1 in 20,000 live births.
"Pfizer is dedicated to breaking new ground in our quest to provide underserved patients with effective treatment therapies," said David Simmons, President & General Manager of Pfizer's Established Products business unit. "We are honored to be part of this worthy cause to help increase awareness of rare diseases around the world."
For a full list of supporters and more information about Rare Disease Day activities in the U.S., go to www.rarediseaseday.us. For information about global activities, go to www.rarediseaseday.org.
Pfizer Inc.: Working together for a healthier world™
At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to improve health and well-being at every stage of life. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacturing of medicines for people and animals. Our diversified global health care portfolio includes human and animal biologic and small molecule medicines and vaccines, as well as nutritional products and many of the world's best-known consumer products. 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 the world's leading biopharmaceutical company, we also 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 150 years, Pfizer has worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. To learn more about our commitments, please visit us at www.pfizer.com.
About NORD
The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), a 501(c)3 organization, is a unique federation of voluntary health organizations dedicated to helping people with rare "orphan" diseases and assisting the organizations that serve them. NORD is committed to the identification, treatment, and cure of rare disorders through programs of education, advocacy, research, and service. NORD was established in 1983 by patient leaders who helped get the Orphan Drug Act passed. It provides advocacy on behalf of the rare disease community; research grants and fellowships; educational services; and patient assistance programs.
DISCLOSURE NOTICE: The information contained in this release is as of February 26, 2010. Pfizer assumes no obligation to update any 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 a product candidate, taliglucerase alfa, including its potential benefits, that involves substantial risks and uncertainties. Such risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development; decisions by regulatory authorities regarding whether and when to approve any drug applications that have been or may be filed for such product candidate as well as their decisions regarding labeling and other matters that could affect its availability or commercial potential; 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, 2009 and in its reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K.
