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Pfizer Inc. is a leading global pharmaceutical and biotechnology corporation with over 175 years of history in advancing healthcare. Founded in 1849 by cousins Charles Pfizer and Charles Erhart in Brooklyn, New York, it has evolved from a chemical manufacturer into a pioneer in developing life-saving drugs, vaccines, and therapies. Key contributions include mass-producing penicillin during World War II, pioneering mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines (Comirnaty) and oral antiviral Paxlovid, and maintaining a robust pipeline of treatments for oncology, cardiovascular disease, and infectious diseases. Despite post-pandemic revenue adjustments, Pfizer’s non-COVID core business continues to grow, supported by a diversified product portfolio and ongoing R&D investments.
Key moments
1849Founded as Charles Pfizer & Company in Brooklyn, New York
1868Relocates headquarters to 81 Maiden Lane in Manhattan, New York
1940sMass-produces penicillin for Allied forces during World War II, establishing its critical role in global healthcare
2020Collaborates with BioNTech to develop Comirnaty, the first mRNA COVID-19 vaccine authorized for emergency use
2021Launches Paxlovid, an oral antiviral treatment for COVID-19
2022Achieves record annual revenue of $100.3 billion, driven by strong sales of COVID-19 products
2024Acquires German generics giant Ratiopharm to strengthen its European market presence; non-COVID core revenue grows 12% year-over-year
2026Holds 18% of the global generics market share, leading the segment with diversified product lines in cardiovascular, oncology, and metabolic therapy areas
Pfizer operates in a highly competitive global pharmaceutical market, competing with large-scale biopharmaceutical firms, specialized therapy developers, and generics-focused players. Its competitive edge stems from strengths in vaccine innovation, generics market leadership, end-to-end R&D capabilities, and a global distribution network. While post-pandemic revenue shifts presented challenges, Pfizer’s diversified core product portfolio and strategic acquisitions have helped maintain its market position.
**Key Competitors**: Roche (a leader in oncology and diagnostic technologies), Novartis (strong in immunology and eye care), Johnson & Johnson (diversified across pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and consumer health), Merck & Co. (expertise in oncology and vaccines), and Sanofi (a top player in generics and biologic similar drugs)
**Generics Segment Leadership**: In 2026, Pfizer holds the largest global generics market share (18%), ahead of Sanofi (15%) and Johnson & Johnson (11%), driven by efficient patent仿制, broad global distribution, and strategic acquisitions like Ratiopharm
**R&D Pipeline Competition**: Pfizer’s pipeline focuses on next-generation mRNA therapies, targeted oncology treatments, and rare disease drugs, competing with rivals like Moderna in mRNA innovation and Roche in personalized cancer therapies
**Post-Pandemic Growth Strategy**: While COVID-19 product revenues declined after 2022, Pfizer’s core products (including Eliquis, Prevnar family, and Vyndaqel) continue to drive steady growth, offsetting competition from generic versions of older blockbuster drugs
Pfizer is one of the most recognized and trusted brands in the global biopharmaceutical industry, built on nearly 175 years of consistent delivery of life-saving medical innovations. Its brand equity is deeply rooted in its legacy of public health impact, from large-scale penicillin production during World War II to its groundbreaking COVID-19 vaccine development that accelerated global pandemic recovery. The brand's reputation is tied to both its long-standing industry presence and its ability to pioneer new technological platforms like mRNA, which has positioned it as a forward-thinking leader in healthcare innovation.
Pfizer’s brand strength is reinforced by its diversified product portfolio that spans vaccines, oncology, cardiovascular care, and infectious diseases, reducing reliance on any single product line and supporting steady brand relevance. Despite post-pandemic revenue adjustments, the brand maintains strong consumer and healthcare provider trust, underpinned by rigorous regulatory compliance and large-scale R&D investment. Strategic acquisitions and partnerships have further expanded its brand reach into emerging therapy areas, strengthening its competitive position in the global market.
The brand balances legacy credibility with modern innovation, navigating industry shifts such as generic competition and patent expirations while continuously refreshing its product pipeline. Its public health leadership during global crises has elevated its brand profile beyond the healthcare sector, making it a household name around the world. This combination of historical trust, innovative capacity, and global footprint creates a robust foundation for sustained brand strength.
Brand leadership
Score: 90/100
Pfizer holds a top-tier leading position in the global biopharmaceutical industry, with particular strength in vaccine development and large-scale drug manufacturing. Its role in delivering the first FDA-approved mRNA COVID-19 vaccine cemented its reputation as an innovative industry trailblazer, and it consistently ranks among the largest global pharma companies by revenue and market influence.
Brand-stakeholder interaction
Score: 82/100
Pfizer maintains consistent, high-level engagement with healthcare providers, global regulatory agencies, patient communities, and public health organizations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it coordinated extensively with governments worldwide to scale vaccine distribution, and it continues to partner with academic institutions and smaller biotech firms to advance new therapies, building strong trust across key stakeholder groups.
Brand momentum
Score: 78/100
Following the peak of COVID-19 product revenue, Pfizer has refocused growth on its non-COVID core business, which has delivered steady expansion in recent years. Its ongoing investment in mRNA technology for cancer vaccines and new infectious disease treatments, paired with strategic acquisitions of innovative biotech companies, keeps the brand moving into high-growth areas, though it faces ongoing headwinds from patent expirations on some legacy products.
Brand stability
Score: 88/100
With nearly 175 years of continuous operation, Pfizer has demonstrated exceptional brand stability through multiple global economic cycles and public health crises. It maintains a strong balance sheet, consistent long-term investment in R&D, and a diversified product portfolio that buffers against revenue shocks from individual product shifts, retaining its solid market position and widespread brand recognition across decades.
Brand age
Score: 95/100
Founded in 1849, Pfizer is one of the oldest continuously operating major pharmaceutical companies in the world. Its multi-generational history has allowed it to build deep institutional knowledge, resilient global supply chains, and cumulative trust with consumers and healthcare partners, creating a durable competitive advantage that newer market entrants cannot easily replicate.
Industry profile
Score: 92/100
Pfizer is a highly visible and influential brand across the global biopharmaceutical sector, shaping innovation and regulatory agendas for the industry. Its work advancing mRNA technology and leading global pandemic response has made it a benchmark for large-scale drug development and manufacturing, and it is widely recognized as a leading example of successful industrial innovation in healthcare.
Global brand reach
Score: 89/100
Pfizer operates in more than 120 countries worldwide, with regional manufacturing and distribution networks that enable it to deliver products to both developed and emerging markets. It has adapted its business to meet local regulatory requirements and public health priorities, building a truly global brand presence with high recognition across nearly all regions of the world.
AI analysis can support structured reasoning to assess the components of Pfizer's brand value, but any resulting figures from this process are purely illustrative. For a formally audited, comprehensive brand valuation of Pfizer, please contact the World Brand Lab directly.
Pfizer Inc. [2] is an American multinationalpharmaceutical and biotechnology corporation headquartered at The Spiral in Manhattan, New York City.Founded in 1849 in New York by German entrepreneurs Charles Pfizer (1824–1906) and Charles F. Erhart (1821–1891), Pfizer is one of the oldest pharmaceutical companies in North America.
Pfizer develops and produces medication and vaccines for immunology, oncology, cardiology, endocrinology, and neurology.The company's largest products by sales are Eliquis (apixaban) ($7.3 billion in 2024 revenues, 11% of total revenues), Prevnar (a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine) ($6.4 billion in 2024 revenues, 10% of total revenues), Paxlovid (Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) ($5.7 billion in 2024 revenues, 9% of total revenues), Vyndaqel (tafamidis) ($5.4 billion in 2024 revenues, 8% of total revenues), Comirnaty (the Pfizer–BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine) ($5.3 billion in 2024 revenues, 8% of total revenues), and Ibrance (palbociclib) ($4.3 billion in 2024 revenues, 6% of total revenues).In 2024, 61% of the company's revenues came from the United States, 4% came from China, and 35% came from other countries.
The company is ranked fifth on the list of largest biomedical companies by revenue.It is ranked the 69th on the Fortune 500[4] and 73rd on the Forbes Global 2000.[5]
History
1849–1950: Early history
Pfizer was founded in 1849 as Charles Pfizer & Company by Charles Pfizer and Charles F. Erhart,[6][7] two cousins who had immigrated to the United States from Ludwigsburg, Germany.The business produced chemical compounds, and was headquartered on Bartlett Street[8] in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where it produced an antiparasitic called santonin.This was an immediate success, although it was production of citric acid that led to Pfizer's growth in the 1880s.Pfizer continued to buy property in the area (by now the Williamsburg district of the city of Brooklyn, New York and beginning in 1898, the City of Greater New York) to expand its lab and factory, retaining offices on Flushing Avenue until the 1960s; the Brooklyn plant ultimately closed in 2009.[9] Following its success with citric acid, Pfizer (at the now-demolished 295 Washington Avenue) and Erhart (at 280 Washington Avenue) established their main residences in the nearby Clinton Hill district, known for its concentration of Gilded Age wealth.
In 1881, Pfizer moved its administrative headquarters to 81 Maiden Lane in Manhattan, presaging the company's expansion to Chicago, Illinois, a year later.[8] By 1906 sales exceeded $3million.[10]
World War I caused a shortage of calcium citrate.Pfizer imported the compound from Italy for the manufacture of citric acid, and due to the disruption in supply, the company began a search for an alternative.[11] They found this in the form of a fungus capable of fermenting sugar to citric acid.By 1919, the company was able to commercialize production of citric acid from this source.[11] The company developed expertise in fermentation technology as a result.These skills were applied to the deep-submergence mass production of penicillin, an antibiotic, during World War II in response to the need to treat injured Allied soldiers.[12] The company also embarked on a global soil collection program related to improving production yields of penicillin which ultimately resulted in 135,000 samples.[13]
On June 2, 1942, the company incorporated under the Delaware General Corporation Law.[3]
1950–1980: Pivot to pharmaceutical research and global expansion
Due to price declines for penicillin, Pfizer searched for new antibiotics with greater profit potential.Pfizer discovered oxytetracycline in 1950, and this changed the company from a manufacturer of fine chemicals to a research-based pharmaceutical company.Pfizer developed a drug discovery program focused on in vitro synthesis to augment its research in fermentation technology.In 1959, the company established an animal health division with a 700 acre farm and research facility in Terre Haute, Indiana.[12]
By the 1950s, Pfizer had established offices in Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Cuba, Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico, and the United Kingdom. In 1960, the company moved its medical research laboratory operations out of New York City to a new facility in Groton, Connecticut. In 1980, Pfizer launched Feldene (piroxicam), a prescription anti-inflammatory medication that became Pfizer's first product to reach $1billion in revenue.[10]
In 1965, John Powers, Jr. became chief executive officer of the company, succeeding John McKeen.[10]
1980–2000: Development of Viagra, Zoloft, and Lipitor
In 1981, the company received approval for Diflucan (fluconazole), the first oral treatment for severe fungal infections including candidiasis, blastomycosis, coccidiodomycosis, cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, dermatophytosis, and pityriasis versicolor.[15]
In 1986, Pfizer acquired the worldwide rights to Zithromax (azithromycin), a macrolide antibiotic that is recommended by the Infectious Disease Society of America as a first line treatment for certain cases of community-acquired pneumonia, from Pliva.[16][17]
In 1989, Pfizer scientists Peter Dunn and Albert Wood created Viagra (sildenafil) for treating high blood pressure and angina, a chest pain associated with coronary artery disease.
2000–2010: Further expansion
In 2001, Henry McKinnell became chief executive officer of the company, replacing William C. Steere, Jr.[26]
In 2002, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation purchased stock in Pfizer.[27]
In 2004, the company received approval for Lyrica (pregabalin), an anticonvulsant and anxiolytic medication used to treat epilepsy, neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, restless leg syndrome, and generalized anxiety disorder.[28][29][30]
Acquisitions and mergers
In June 2000, Pfizer acquired Warner-Lambert outright for $116billion. To satisfy conditions imposed by antitrust regulators at the Federal Trade Commission, Pfizer sold off or transferred stakes in several minor products, including RID (a shampoo for treatment of head lice, sold to Bayer) and Warner-Lambert's antidepressant Celexa (which competes with Zoloft).[40] The acquisition created what was, at the time, the second-largest pharmaceutical company worldwide.[41]
In 2003, Pfizer merged with Pharmacia, and in the process acquired Searle and SUGEN.Searle had developed Flagyl (metronidazole), a nitroimidazole antibiotic medication used particularly for anaerobicbacteria and protozoa.[39][42]
2010–2020: Further discoveries and acquisitions
In 2010, Ian Read was named chief executive officer of the company.[56]
In February 2011, Pfizer announced the closure of its UK research and development facility (formerly also a manufacturing plant) in Sandwich, Kent, which at the time employed 2,400 people.[57] In March 2011, Pfizer acquired King Pharmaceuticals for $3.6billion in cash.King produced emergency injectables such as the EpiPen.[58]
On September 4, 2012, the FDA approved bosutinib (Bosulif) for chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), a rare type of leukemia and a blood and bone marrow disease that affects primarily older adults.[59] In November 2012, Pfizer received approval from the
2020–present: pandemic, corporate development, and Trump tariffs
COVID-19 and vaccine development
In March 2020, Pfizer joined the COVID-19 Therapeutics Accelerator funding vehicle to expedite development of treatments against COVID-19.[107][108] The $125 million initiative was launched by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in partnership with Mastercard and Wellcome Trust, with additional funding announced shortly after from Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Madonna.[109][110]
The following month, the
COVID-19 and vaccine development
In March 2020, Pfizer joined the COVID-19 Therapeutics Accelerator funding vehicle to expedite development of treatments against COVID-19.[107][108] The $125 million initiative was launched by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in partnership with Mastercard and Wellcome Trust, with additional funding announced shortly after from Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Madonna.[109][110]
The following month, the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health announced the Accelerating COVID-19 Therapeutic Interventions and Vaccines (ACTIV) public-private partnership to develop a coordinated research strategy for prioritizing and speeding up development of COVID-19 vaccines and pharmaceutical products.[111]
Development of oral antivirals
In November 2021, Pfizer launched a new COVID-19 oral antivirus treatment known as Paxlovid.In January 2022, the Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla confirmed that the trial results of a fourth dose were pending until March 2022.He said that the firm was setting up a collaboration to develop an anti-COVID pill treatment along with a French company, Novasep.He also said the COVID vaccine was "safe and efficient" for children.[125][126] In May 2022, reports emerged of patients experiencing "rebound" symptoms after completing a five-day course of Paxlovid.[127] The FDA responded by announcing they had performed additional analyses of the drug's clinical trial data, and decided against changing its recommendations.[128] U.S. President Joe Biden and Dr. Anthony Fauci were both reported to experience this rebound syndrome in the months that followed, while continuing to recommend the drug for those who may benefit from it.[129]
Corporate developments and acquisitions
In September 2020, the company acquired a 9.9% stake in CStone Pharmaceuticals for $200million (HK$1.55billion), helping to commercialise its anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody, CS1001.[130] In October 2020, the company acquired Arixa Pharmaceuticals.[131] In November 2020, using a Reverse Morris Trust structure, Pfizer merged its off-patent branded and generic drug business, known as Upjohn, with Mylan to form Viatris, owned 57% by Pfizer shareholders.[132][133]
On January 5, 2021, Pfizer introduced a new logo.[134]
Tariffs
In October 2025, Pfizer entered an agreement with the Trump administration to voluntarily lower US drug prices, which included a three-year exemption from pharmaceutical-specific tariffs, as long as the firm further invests in domestic manufacturing.Pfizer pledged to put $70 billion into US manufacturing and research.[155]
Partnership with Flagship Pioneering
In July 2024, Pfizer and Flagship Pioneering announced an "Innovation Supply Chain" partnership to co-develop 10 drug candidates. Each party committed $50 million upfront, leveraging Flagship's ecosystem of over 40 startups to align with Pfizer's priorities. Pfizer will fund the selected programs and has the option to license or acquire assets, with potential success milestones and royalties reaching up to $700 million per commercialized drug. Two programs, focused on obesity and cardiovascular diseases, have already been initiated.[156]
The partnership represents a new model in pharmaceutical R&D, focusing on early collaboration with startups to streamline drug development. For startups, the model provides an opportunity for early engagement with pharmaceutical companies, offering potential funding and reduced uncertainty in development programs.[156]
Collaboration with Ignition AI Accelerator
In October 2024, Pfizer announced a partnership with the Ignition AI Accelerator, a collaborative initiative by NVIDIA, Tribe, and Digital Industry Singapore (DISG).The collaboration aims using artificial intelligence to expedite drug discovery and development processes, improve operational efficiency, and streamline stakeholder engagement.The initiative also focuses on optimizing manufacturing processes, including improving yields and reducing cycle times.[157][158]
Expanding AI Collaboration for Clinical Trials with Saama
Saama and Pfizer reached an expanded multi-year agreement to integrate AI-driven solutions across Pfizer's R&D portfolio, building on their 2020 partnership. Initially the partnership focused on automating data review processes with the Smart Data Quality (SDQ) platform — developed during Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine trials — the partnership as of 2024 scales to streamline data review and accelerate regulatory submissions across global studies. The expanded collaboration introduces Saama's Biometrics Research and Analysis Information Network, enabling faster statistical programming, biostatistics workflows, and submission-ready outputs.[159]
Pfizer focuses on addressing critical health challenges through innovation in various therapeutic areas. In the field of rare diseases, the company develops treatments for conditions such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, hemophilia, sickle cell disease, and Gaucher disease, with a focus on gene therapy and improving diagnostic resources for patients with unmet medical needs.[160]
Internal medicine
Pfizer has a longstanding history in vaccines, contributing to breakthroughs in diseases like polio and smallpox. Currently, the company focuses on vaccines for pneumococcal and meningococcal diseases, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Lyme disease, and Clostridioides difficile.[161][162] It also invests in maternal and neonatal vaccines, cancer prevention, and efforts to mitigate hospital-acquired infections.It also works in advancing therapies for issues related to metabolic and cardiovascular health, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).[163]
Obesity treatment developments
Pfizer has advanced its obesity treatment research through the development of danuglipron, an oral glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist:[164]
Dose optimization trials are planned for late 2024 to support large-scale registration studies.[164]
In November 2025, Pfizer agreed to acquire Metsera to expand its weight-loss drug portfolio in a deal that had the potential to exceed $10 billion.[165]
Danuglipron Development: Initial trials of the twice-daily formulation showed potential for weight loss and blood sugar management.
New Formulation: A once-daily modified-release version has been identified for further study, showing a suitable pharmacokinetic profile and no significant safety issues in trials involving 1,400 participants.
Oncology
Pfizer develops targeted therapies to treat multiple cancer types, including bladder, breast, cervical, lung, and colorectal cancers, as well as hematological malignancies. The company conducts research on precision medicine and immunotherapy, aiming to improve survival rates and quality of life for cancer patients.In particular, the acquisition of Seagen has supported further development of oncology treatments, including mRNA cancer vaccines.[166]
Prostate Cancer: The EMBARK trial showed improved metastasis-free survival in high-risk, non-metastatic prostate cancer patients, leading to the FDA approval of a combination therapy in 2023.[167]
The TALAPRO-2 study explored treatments for metastatic prostate cancer with homologous recombination repair mutations, which are found in 25% of cases.[168]
Advances in AI, gene therapy, and breakthrough treatments
Pfizer has also launched initiatives aimed at addressing healthcare challenges across various regions and therapeutic areas, including artificial intelligence (AI), gene therapy, obesity treatments, and oncology research. In 2023, Pfizer's affordability and access programs reached 45 million patients in the MERA region, supported by the IUdo app, which was launched in Egypt, Qatar, and Lebanon to facilitate patient access to care.In 2024, Pfizer focused on integrating AI and gene therapy in the Middle East, Russia, and Africa (MERA) region, with its headquarters in Dubai.[166] Key initiatives include:
Personalized Healthcare: Omnichannel strategies are being used to provide tailored healthcare solutions for patients and professionals.[170]
Rare Disease Research: Collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Health to analyze real-world data on Sickle Cell Disease using AI.[171]
Legal issues
Aggressive pharmaceutical marketing
Pfizer has been accused of aggressive pharmaceutical marketing.[172][173][174]
Illegal marketing of gabapentin for off-label uses settlement (2004)
In 1993, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved gabapentin only for treatment of seizures.Warner–Lambert, which merged with Pfizer in 2000, used continuing medical education and medical research, sponsored articles about the drug for the medical literature, and alleged suppression of unfavorable study results, to promote gabapentin.Within five years, the drug was being widely used for off-label uses such as treatment of pain and psychiatric conditions.Warner–Lambert admitted to violating FDA regulations by promoting the drug for pain, psychiatric conditions, migraine, and other unapproved uses.[175] In 2004, the company paid $430million in one of the largest settlements to resolve criminal and civil health care liability charges.It was the first off-label promotion case successfully brought under the False Claims Act.[176] A Cochrane review concluded that gabapentin is ineffective in migraine prophylaxis.[177] The American Academy of Neurology rates it as having unproven efficacy, while the Canadian Headache Society and the European Federation of Neurological Societies rate its use as being supported by moderate and low-quality evidence.[178]
Illegal marketing of Bextra settlement (2009)
In September 2009, Pfizer pleaded guilty to the illegal marketing of arthritis drug valdecoxib (Bextra) and agreed to a $2.3billion settlement, the largest health care fraud settlement at that time.[179] Pfizer promoted the sale of the drug for several uses and dosages that the Food and Drug Administration specifically declined to approve due to safety concerns.The drug was pulled from the market in 2005.[180] It was Pfizer's fourth such settlement in a decade.[181] The payment included $1.195billion in criminal penalties for felony violations of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and $1.0billion to settle allegations it had illegally promoted the drugs for uses that were not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) leading to violations under the False Claims Act as reimbursements were requested from Federal and State programs.The criminal fine was the largest ever assessed in the United States to date.[182][181]
Termination of Peter Rost (2005)
Peter Rost was vice president in charge of the endocrinology division at Pharmacia before its acquisition by Pfizer.During that time he raised concerns internally about kickbacks and off-label marketing of Genotropin, Pharmacia's human growth hormone drug. Pfizer reported the Pharmacia marketing practices to the FDA and Department of Justice; Rost was unaware of this and filed an FCA lawsuit against Pfizer. Pfizer kept him employed, but isolated him until the FCA suit was unsealed in 2005. The Justice Department declined to intervene, and Pfizer fired him, and he filed a wrongful termination suit against Pfizer. Pfizer won a summary dismissal of the case, with the court ruling that the evidence showed Pfizer had decided to fire Rost prior to learning of his whistleblower activities.[185][186]
Illegal marketing of Rapamune settlement (2014)
A "whistleblower suit" was filed in 2005 against Wyeth, which was acquired by Pfizer in 2009, alleging that the company illegally marketed sirolimus (Rapamune) for off-label uses, targeted specific doctors and medical facilities to increase sales of Rapamune, tried to get transplant patients to change from their transplant drugs to Rapamune, and specifically targeted African Americans.According to the whistleblowers, Wyeth also provided doctors and hospitals that prescribed the drug with kickbacks such as grants, donations, and other money.[187] In 2013, the company pleaded guilty to criminal mis-branding violations under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.By August 2014, it had paid $491million in civil and criminal penalties related to Rapamune.[188]
Illegal marketing settlement (2014)
In June 2010, health insurance network Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) filed a lawsuit against Pfizer for allegedly illegally marketing drugs Bextra, Geodon and Lyrica.BCBS alleged that Pfizer used kickbacks and wrongly persuaded doctors to prescribe the drugs.[189][190] According to the lawsuit, Pfizer handed out 'misleading' materials on off-label uses, sent over 5,000 doctors on trips to the Caribbean or around the United States, and paid them $2,000 honoraria in return for listening to lectures about Bextra.[191][192] Despite Pfizer's claims that "the company's intent was pure" in fostering a legal exchange of information among doctors, an internal marketing plan revealed that Pfizer intended to train physicians "to serve as public relations spokespeople."The case was settled in 2014 for $325million.[193] Fearing that Pfizer is "too big to fail" and that prosecuting the company would result in disruptions to
Illegal marketing of gabapentin for off-label uses settlement (2004)
In 1993, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved gabapentin only for treatment of seizures.Warner–Lambert, which merged with Pfizer in 2000, used continuing medical education and medical research, sponsored articles about the drug for the medical literature, and alleged suppression of unfavorable study results, to promote gabapentin.Within five years, the drug was being widely used for off-label uses such as treatment of pain and psychiatric conditions.Warner–Lambert admitted to violating FDA regulations by promoting the drug for pain, psychiatric conditions, migraine, and other unapproved uses.[175] In 2004, the company paid $430million in one of the largest settlements to resolve criminal and civil health care liability charges.It was the first off-label promotion case successfully brought under the False Claims Act.[176] A Cochrane review concluded that gabapentin is ineffective in migraine prophylaxis.[177] The American Academy of Neurology rates it as having unproven efficacy, while the Canadian Headache Society and the European Federation of Neurological Societies
Illegal marketing of Bextra settlement (2009)
In September 2009, Pfizer pleaded guilty to the illegal marketing of arthritis drug valdecoxib (Bextra) and agreed to a $2.3billion settlement, the largest health care fraud settlement at that time.[179] Pfizer promoted the sale of the drug for several uses and dosages that the Food and Drug Administration specifically declined to approve due to safety concerns.The drug was pulled from the market in 2005.[180] It was Pfizer's fourth such settlement in a decade.[181] The payment included $1.195billion in criminal penalties for felony violations of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and $1.0billion to settle allegations it had illegally promoted the drugs for uses that were not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) leading to violations under the False Claims Act as reimbursements were requested from Federal and State programs.The criminal fine was the largest ever assessed in the United States to date.[182][181]
Termination of Peter Rost (2005)
Peter Rost was vice president in charge of the endocrinology division at Pharmacia before its acquisition by Pfizer.During that time he raised concerns internally about kickbacks and off-label marketing of Genotropin, Pharmacia's human growth hormone drug. Pfizer reported the Pharmacia marketing practices to the FDA and Department of Justice; Rost was unaware of this and filed an FCA lawsuit against Pfizer. Pfizer kept him employed, but isolated him until the FCA suit was unsealed in 2005. The Justice Department declined to intervene, and Pfizer fired him, and he filed a wrongful termination suit against Pfizer. Pfizer won a summary dismissal of the case, with the court ruling that the evidence showed Pfizer had decided to fire Rost prior to learning of his whistleblower activities.[185][186]
Illegal marketing of Rapamune settlement (2014)
A "whistleblower suit" was filed in 2005 against Wyeth, which was acquired by Pfizer in 2009, alleging that the company illegally marketed sirolimus (Rapamune) for off-label uses, targeted specific doctors and medical facilities to increase sales of Rapamune, tried to get transplant patients to change from their transplant drugs to Rapamune, and specifically targeted African Americans.According to the whistleblowers, Wyeth also provided doctors and hospitals that prescribed the drug with kickbacks such as grants, donations, and other money.[187] In 2013, the company pleaded guilty to criminal mis-branding violations under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.By August 2014, it had paid $491million in civil and criminal penalties related to Rapamune.[188]
Illegal marketing settlement (2014)
In June 2010, health insurance network Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) filed a lawsuit against Pfizer for allegedly illegally marketing drugs Bextra, Geodon and Lyrica.BCBS alleged that Pfizer used kickbacks and wrongly persuaded doctors to prescribe the drugs.[189][190] According to the lawsuit, Pfizer handed out 'misleading' materials on off-label uses, sent over 5,000 doctors on trips to the Caribbean or around the United States, and paid them $2,000 honoraria in return for listening to lectures about Bextra.[191][192] Despite Pfizer's claims that "the company's intent was pure" in fostering a legal exchange of information among doctors, an internal marketing plan revealed that Pfizer intended to train physicians "to serve as public relations spokespeople."The case was settled in 2014 for $325million.[193] Fearing that Pfizer is "too big to fail" and that prosecuting the company would result in disruptions to Medicare
Quigley Company asbestos settlement (2013)
The Quigley Company, which sold asbestos-containing insulation products until the early 1970s, was acquired by Pfizer in 1968. In June 2013, asbestos victims and Pfizer negotiated a settlement that required Pfizer to pay a total of $964million: $430million to 80% of existing plaintiffs and place an additional $535million into a settlement trust that will compensate future plaintiffs as well as the remaining 20% of plaintiffs with claims against Pfizer and Quigley. Of that $535million, $405million is in a 40-year note from Pfizer, while $100million is from insurance policies.[195]
Shiley defective heart valves settlement (1994)
Pfizer purchased Shiley in 1979, at the onset of its Convexo-Concave valve ordeal, involving the Bjork–Shiley valve.Approximately 500 people died when defective heart valves fractured and, in 1994, Pfizer agreed to pay $10.75million to settle claims by the United States Department of Justice that the company lied to get approval for the valves.[196]
Firing of employee that filed suit (2010)
A federal lawsuit was filed by a scientist claiming she got an infection by a genetically modified lentivirus while working for Pfizer, resulting in intermittent paralysis.[197] A judge dismissed the case citing a lack of evidence that the illness was caused by the virus but the jury ruled that by firing the employee, Pfizer violated laws protecting freedom of speech and whistleblowers and awarded her $1.37million.[198]
Celebrex intellectual property settlement (2012)
Brigham Young University (BYU) said a professor of chemistry, Dr. Daniel L. Simmons, discovered an enzyme in the 1990s that led towards development of Celebrex. BYU was originally seeking a 15% royalty on sales, equating to $9.7billion. A research agreement had been made between BYU and Monsanto, whose pharmaceutical business was later acquired by Pfizer, to develop a better aspirin. The enzyme Dr. Simmons claims to have discovered would induce pain and inflammation while causing gastrointestinal problems and Celebrex is used to reduce those issues. A six-year battle ensued because BYU claimed that Pfizer did not give Dr. Simmons credit or compensation, while Pfizer claimed that it had met all obligations regarding the Monsanto agreement. In May 2012, Pfizer settled the allegations, agreeing to pay $450million.[199]
Nigeria Trovafloxacin lawsuit settlement (2011)
In 1996, an outbreak of measles, cholera, and bacterial meningitis occurred in Nigeria. Pfizer representatives and personnel from a contract research organization (CRO) traveled to Kano to set up a clinical trial and administer an experimental antibiotic, trovafloxacin, to approximately 200 children.[200] Tests in animals showed that Trovan had life-threatening side effects, including joint disease, abnormal cartilage growth, liver damage, and a degenerative bone condition.Pfizer's representatives did not alert the parents or patients about the serious risks involved, or tell them about an effective conventional treatment that Doctors without Borders was providing at the same site.[201] Local Kano officials reported that more than fifty children died in the experiment, while many others developed mental and physical deformities such as blindness, deafness, paralysis, and brain damage.[202] The nature and frequency of both fatalities and other adverse outcomes were similar to those historically found among pediatric patients treated for meningitis in sub-Saharan Africa.[203] In 2001, families of the children, as well as the governments of Kano and Nigeria, filed lawsuits regarding the treatment.
Inflating prices fine (2022)
In July 2022, UK antitrust authorities fined Pfizer £63 million for unfairly pricing a drug that aids in controlling epileptic seizures. The Competition and Markets Authority stated that the company and Flynn took advantage of aloophole by de-branding the epilepsy drug Epanutin (phenytoin sodium capsules). This meant the price of the drug was no longer regulated and the companies could raise the price of the drug unchecked. It was stated that over a four-year period, Pfizer had billed Epanutin for around 780% and 1,600% higher than its standard price.[218][219]
Allegations of patent infringement on mRNA technology (2022)
In August 2022, Moderna announced that it will sue Pfizer and its partner BioNTech for infringing its patent on the mRNA technology.[220] In May 2024, the European Patent Office upheld the validity of Moderna's EP949 patent, one of the two patents asserted against Pfizer and BioNTech.[221]
COVID-19 vaccine controversy
In February 2021, after a year long investigation relying on unnamed officials, Pfizer was accused by The Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ) of employing "high-level bullying" against at least two Latin American countries during negotiations to acquire COVID-19 vaccines, including requesting that the countries put sovereign assets as collateral for payments.[222] According to TBIJ, these negotiation tactics resulted in a months long delay in Pfizer reaching a vaccine agreement with one country and a complete failure to reach agreements with two other countries, including Argentina and Brazil.[222]
In November 2021, TBMJ published an article after obtaining information from a whistleblower from the Ventavia Research Group. Ventavia was hired by Pfizer as a research subcontractor. A regional director (whistleblower) who was employed at Ventavia Research Group has told The BMJ that the company falsified data, unblinded patients, employed inadequately trained vaccinators, and was slow to follow up on adverse events reported in Pfizer's pivotal phase III trial.The regional director, Brook Jackson, emailed a complaint to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).Ventavia fired her later the same day.[223] The
Environmental record
Since 2000, the company has implemented more than 4,000 greenhouse gas reduction projects.[231]
Pfizer has inherited Wyeth's liabilities in the American Cyanamid site in Bridgewater Township, New Jersey, a highly toxic EPA Superfund site.Pfizer has since attempted to remediate this land in order to clean and develop it for future profits and potential public uses.[232] The Sierra Club and the Edison Wetlands Association have opposed the cleanup plan, arguing that the area is subject to flooding, which could cause pollutants to leach.The EPA considers the plan the most reasonable from considerations of safety and cost-effectiveness, arguing that an alternative plan involving trucking contaminated soil off site could expose cleanup workers.The EPA's position is backed by the environmental watchdog group CRISIS.[233]
In June 2002, a chemical explosion at the Groton plant injured 7 people and caused the evacuation of more than 100 homes in the surrounding area.[234]
Contributions
Philanthropy
Notable organizations to which Pfizer has provided funding include the Institute for Advanced Study,[235][236]University of Toronto,[237] and member of the President's Circle.[238]University of Washington,[239]Habitat for Humanity,[240]Human Rights Campaign,[241]National Women's Law Center,[242]Share Our Strength,[243]WaterAid,[244]National Geographic,[245]National Geographic Society,[246]94th Academy Awards,[247]National Press Foundation,[248][249][250][251]19 to Zero,[252]American Society of Hematology,[253]Canadian Cancer Society,[254]Canadian Paediatric Society,[255]Endocrine Society,[256] and European Society of Cardiology.[257]
Notable professional associations to which Pfizer has contributed include American Statistical Association,[258]Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians,[259]Canadian Medical Association,[260]Canadian Pharmacists Association, Canadian Pharmacists Journal,[261]Canadian Public Health Association,[262]Ontario Medical Association,[263]Centre for Addiction and Mental Health,[264]
The Pfizer Foundation
The Pfizer Foundation, established in 1953, is a charitable organization dedicated to building healthier communities worldwide. It operates independently of Pfizer Inc., with its mission centered on addressing global health challenges, supporting urgent health needs, and empowering Pfizer employees to create meaningful impacts in their communities.[283][284]
The foundation also supports specific initiatives such as improving breast cancer care in Rwanda, empowering women and driving progress through Integrated Health Services in Benin, addressing vaccine access for zero-dose children in Nigeria, and collaborating with organizations like Direct Relief to strengthen healthcare providers in the United States.[285]
The Pfizer Foundation
The Pfizer Foundation, established in 1953, is a charitable organization dedicated to building healthier communities worldwide. It operates independently of Pfizer Inc., with its mission centered on addressing global health challenges, supporting urgent health needs, and empowering Pfizer employees to create meaningful impacts in their communities.[283][284]
The foundation also supports specific initiatives such as improving breast cancer care in Rwanda, empowering women and driving progress through Integrated Health Services in Benin, addressing vaccine access for zero-dose children in Nigeria, and collaborating with organizations like Direct Relief to strengthen healthcare providers in the United States.[285]
Lobbying
The company spends $10-15 million per year on lobbying in the United States.[286] It also lobbies the Government of Ontario and House of Commons of Canada through Rubicon Strategy, a firm owned by Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario campaign manager Kory Teneycke.[287][288][289] Pfizer lobbied various officials in the Government of British Columbia between April and November 2012, including then-premier Christy Clark, future premier John Horgan, future health minister Adrian Dix, and future deputy premier, minister of public safety and solicitor general Mike Farnworth.[290]
Notable lobbying organizations or think tanks
The Pfizer Award
The Pfizer Award, established in 1958 by Pfizer, Inc., recognizes exceptional books on the history of science. The prize includes a medal and $2,500. Eligible books must be published in English within the three years preceding the competition year (e.g., for 2024, books from 2021–2023). Edited volumes and books with more than two authors are excluded, though multi-volume works by one or two authors may qualify once all volumes are published. While books with themes in medicine or technology may be considered, the award prioritizes works focused on the history of science. The prize is not divided between multiple books.[311]
The Royal Society Pfizer Award/The Royal Society Africa Prize
The Royal Society Pfizer Award, established in 2006 with support from Pfizer Inc., recognized African research scientists contributing innovatively to biological and basic medical sciences, with a focus on capacity building in Africa. Recipients received a bronze medal, £1,000, and an £11,000 research grant for a project affiliated with an African scientific institution, such as a university or research center. The award was last presented in 2016 and has since been replaced by the Royal Society Africa Prize.[312]
Pfizer For All
Pfizer introduced PfizerForAll, a digital platform designed to streamline access to healthcare and wellness resources in the United States. The platform supports individuals with common conditions like the flu, COVID-19, and migraines, as well as those seeking adult vaccinations.[313] It integrates services such as same-day access to healthcare professionals, home delivery of prescriptions and diagnostic tests, appointment scheduling, and financial assistance for Pfizer medications.Partnering with organizations like UpScriptHealth, Alto Pharmacy, and Instacart, PfizerForAll aims to simplify tasks like prescription fulfillment and accessing savings programs.Pfizer plans to expand the platform to address a wider range of healthcare needs and enhance user experience.[314][315]
Awards and recognition
Pfizer has received various awards and recognitions related to its workplace policies and corporate practices.
In the United States, Pfizer earned a 100% score from the Human Rights Campaign (2025) on the Corporate Equality Index for LGBTQ workplace equality [316] and ranked highly in the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (2024) Corporate Inclusion Index. Pfizer was named a "Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion" in the Disability Equality Index (2024) and received awards such as Top Diverse Employer, Top Hispanic Employer, and Top Disability-Friendly Company by DiversityComm, Inc. (2024). Other recognitions include being named one of "America's Greatest Workplaces" by Newsweek (2023),[317] Clinical Trials Arena Excellence Awards 2023, inclusion in the top 10 of the "World's Most Admired Companies" by Fortune (2023), and being listed as a Top Employer for Diversity and Best Employer for Women by Forbes (2022).Pfizer was also recognized as a "Best Place to Work" by Glassdoor (2021) and a Top Employer by Science (2021) for its practices during the pandemic.[318]
Corporate affairs
Board of directors
As of December 2024, the company's board consisted of the following directors:[3]
Ronald E. Blaylock, Managing Partner of GenNx360 Capital Partners
7.Michael Oldani. Pfizer The SAGE Encyclopedia of Pharmacology and Society^
8.Kenneth T. Jackson. The Encyclopedia of New York City. The New York Historical Society; Yale University Press; September 1995. P. 895. ISBN 978-0-300-05536-8^
28.Pregabalin American Society of Health-System Pharmacists^
29.James E. Frampton. Pregabalin: A Review of its Use in Adults with Generalized Anxiety Disorder CNS Drugs, September 2014^
30.I. H. Iftikhar, L. Alghothani, L. M. Trotti. Gabapentin enacarbil, pregabalin and rotigotine are equally effective in restless legs syndrome: a comparative meta-analysis European Journal of Neurology, December 2017^
72.Julia A. Beaver, Laleh Amiri-Kordestani, Rosane Charlab, Wei Chen, Todd Palmby, Amy Tilley, Jeanne Fourie Zirkelbach, Jingyu Yu. FDA Approval: Palbociclib for the Treatment of Postmenopausal Patients with Estrogen Receptor–Positive, HER2-Negative Metastatic Breast Cancer Clinical Cancer Research, 1 November 2015^
167.Stephen J. Freedland, M.D., Murilo de Almeida Luz, M.D., Ugo De Giorgi, M.D., Ph.D., Martin Gleave, M.D., Geoffrey T. Gotto, M.D., M.P.H., Christopher M. Pieczonka, M.D., Gabriel P. Haas, M.D., Choung-Soo Kim, M.D., Miguel Ramirez-Backhaus, M.D., Antti Rannikko, M.D., Ph.D., Jamal Tarazi, M.D., M.P.A., Swetha Sridharan, M.B., B.S., Jennifer Sugg, M.S., Yiyun Tang, Ph.D., Ronald F. Tutrone, Jr., M.D., Balaji Venugopal, M.B., B.S., M.D., Arnauld Villers, M.D., Ph.D., Henry H. Woo, M.B., B.S., D.Med.Sc., Fabian Zohren, M.D., Ph.D., and Neal D. Shore, M.D. Improved Outcomes with Enzalutamide in Biochemically Recurrent Prostate Cancer The New England Journal of Medicine, 2023-10-18, retrieved 2025-03-30^
174.Michael J. Oldani. Thick Prescriptions: Toward an Interpretation of Pharmaceutical Sales Practices Medical Anthropology Quarterly, 2004^
175.Narrative review: the promotion of gabapentin: an analysis of internal industry documents Annals of Internal Medicine, August 2006^
176.Henney JE. Safeguarding patient welfare: who's in charge? Annals of Internal Medicine, August 2006^
177.Antiepileptics in migraine prophylaxis: An updated Cochrane review Cephalalgia, August 2014^
178.The 2012 AHS/AAN guidelines for prevention of episodic migraine: a summary and comparison with other recent clinical practice guidelines Headache, June 2012^
As the area surrounding its Brooklyn, NY plant fell into decline in the 1970s and 1980s, the company formed a public-private partnership with New York City that encompassed the construction of low- and middle-income housing, the refurbishment of apartment buildings for the homeless and the establishment of a charter school.[14]
In 1972, Edmund T. Pratt Jr. became chief executive officer of the company, succeeding John Powers, Jr.[10]
In 1991, it was patented in the United Kingdom as a heart medication.
Early trials for the medication showed that it did not work for the treatment of heart disease, but volunteers in the clinical trials had increased erections several days after taking the drug.
It was patented in the United States in 1996 and received approval by the Food and Drug Administration in March 1998.
In December 1998, Pfizer hired Bob Dole as a spokesperson for the drug.[18] The patents for Viagra expired in 2020.[19]
In 1991, William C. Steere, Jr. became chief executive officers of the company, succeeding Edmund T. Pratt Jr.[20]
In 1991 Pfizer also began marketing Zoloft (sertraline), an antidepressant of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class developed nine years earlier by Pfizer chemists Kenneth Koe and Willard Welch.Sertraline is primarily prescribed for major depressive disorder in adult outpatients as well as obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder in both adults and children.In 2005, the year before it became a generic drug, sales were over $3billion and over 100million people had been treated with the drug.[21] The patent for Zoloft expired in the summer of 2006.[22]
In 1996, Eisai, in partnership with Pfizer, received approval from the Food and Drug Administration for donepezil under the brand Aricept for treatment of Alzheimer's disease;[23] Pfizer also received approval for Norvasc (amlodipine), an antihypertensive drug of the dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker class.[24]
In 1997, the company entered into a co-marketing agreement with Warner–Lambert for Lipitor (atorvastatin), a statin for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia.Although atorvastatin was the fifth statin to be developed, clinical trials showed that atorvastatin caused a more dramatic reduction in low-density lipoprotein pattern C (LDL-C) than the other statin drugs.Upon its patent expiration in 2011, Lipitor was the best-selling drug ever, with approximately $125billion in sales over 14.5 years.[25]
The United States patent on Lyrica was challenged by generic manufacturers and was upheld in 2014, extending the expiration date to 2018.
In July 2006, Jeff Kindler was named chief executive officer of the company, replacing Henry McKinnell.[26][32]
On December 3, 2006, Pfizer ceased development of torcetrapib, a drug that increases production of HDL, which reduces LDL thought to be correlated to heart disease.During a Phase III clinical trial involving 15,000 patients, more deaths than expected occurred in the group that took the medicine, and the mortality rate of patients taking the combination of torcetrapib and Lipitor (82 deaths during the study) was 60% higher than those taking Lipitor alone (52 deaths during the study).Lipitor alone was not implicated in the results, but Pfizer lost nearly $1billion developing the failed drug and its stock price dropped 11% on the day of the announcement.[33][34][35][36]
Between 2007 and 2010, Pfizer spent $3.3million on investigations and legal fees and recovered about $5.1million, and had another $5million of pending recoveries from civil lawsuits against makers of counterfeit prescription drugs.Pfizer has hired customs and narcotics experts worldwide to track down fakes and assemble evidence that can be used to pursue civil suits for trademark infringement.[37]
In July 2008, Pfizer announced 275 job cuts at its manufacturing facility in Portage, Michigan.Portage was previously the world headquarters of Upjohn Company, which had been acquired as part of Pharmacia.[38][39]
Acquisitions and mergers
In June 2000, Pfizer acquired Warner-Lambert outright for $116billion. To satisfy conditions imposed by antitrust regulators at the Federal Trade Commission, Pfizer sold off or transferred stakes in several minor products, including RID (a shampoo for treatment of head lice, sold to Bayer) and Warner-Lambert's antidepressant Celexa (which competes with Zoloft).[40] The acquisition created what was, at the time, the second-largest pharmaceutical company worldwide.[41]
In 2003, Pfizer merged with Pharmacia, and in the process acquired Searle and SUGEN.Searle had developed Flagyl (metronidazole), a nitroimidazole antibiotic medication used particularly for anaerobicbacteria and protozoa.[39][42] Searle also developed celecoxib (Celebrex) a COX-2 inhibitor and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat the pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis, acute pain in adults, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, painful menstruation, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.[43]SUGEN, a company focused on protein kinase inhibitors, had pioneered the use of ATP-mimetic small molecules to block signal transduction.The SUGEN facility was shut down in 2003 by Pfizer, with the loss of more than 300 jobs, and several programs were transferred to Pfizer.These included sunitinib (Sutent), a cancer medication which was approved for human use by the FDA in January 2006.[44][45] A related compound, SU11654 (Toceranib), was also approved for cancer in dogs, and the ALK inhibitorCrizotinib also grew out of a SUGEN program.[46][47]
In October 2006, the company announced it would acquire PowerMed.[48]
On October 15, 2009, Pfizer acquired Wyeth for $68billion in cash and stock, including the assumption of debt, making Pfizer the largest pharmaceutical company in the world.[49][50][51][52][53] The acquisition of Wyeth provided Pfizer with a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, trademarked Prevnar 13; this is used for the prevention of invasive pneumococcal infections.The introduction of the original, 7-valent version of the vaccine, developed by Wyeth in February 2000, led to a 75% reduction in the incidence of invasive pneumococcal infections among children under age5 in the United States. Pfizer introduced an improved version of the vaccine in 2010, for which it was granted a patent in India in 2017. Prevnar 13 provides coverage of 13 bacterial variants, expanding beyond the original 7-valent version.[53]
inhibitors, had pioneered the use of ATP-mimetic small molecules to block
signal transduction
.
The SUGEN facility was shut down in 2003 by Pfizer, with the loss of more than 300 jobs, and several programs were transferred to Pfizer.
These included sunitinib (Sutent), a cancer medication which was approved for human use by the FDA in January 2006.[44][45] A related compound, SU11654 (Toceranib), was also approved for cancer in dogs, and the ALK inhibitorCrizotinib also grew out of a SUGEN program.[46][47]
In October 2006, the company announced it would acquire PowerMed.[48]
On October 15, 2009, Pfizer acquired Wyeth for $68billion in cash and stock, including the assumption of debt, making Pfizer the largest pharmaceutical company in the world.[49][50][51][52][53] The acquisition of Wyeth provided Pfizer with a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, trademarked Prevnar 13; this is used for the prevention of invasive pneumococcal infections.The introduction of the original, 7-valent version of the vaccine, developed by Wyeth in February 2000, led to a 75% reduction in the incidence of invasive pneumococcal infections among children under age5 in the United States. Pfizer introduced an improved version of the vaccine in 2010, for which it was granted a patent in India in 2017. Prevnar 13 provides coverage of 13 bacterial variants, expanding beyond the original 7-valent version.[53] By 2012, the rate of invasive infections among children under age 5 had been reduced by an additional 50%.[54][55]
In 2023, the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) identified Xeljanz (tofacitinib) as one of five high-expenditure drugs that experienced significant net price increases without new clinical evidence to justify the hikes.
Specifically, Xeljanz's wholesale acquisition cost rose by 6%, leading to an additional $72 million in costs to U.S. payers.[62]
On February 1, 2013, Zoetis, the Agriculture Division of Pfizer and later Pfizer Animal Health, became a public company via an initial public offering, raising $2.2billion.[63][64][65][66] Later in 2013, Pfizer completed the corporate spin-off of its remaining stake in Zoetis.[67][68]
In September 2014, the company acquired Innopharma for $225million, plus up to $135million in milestone payments, in a deal that expanded Pfizer's range of generic and injectable drugs.[69][70]
On January 5, 2015, the company announced it would acquire a controlling interest in Redvax, expanding its vaccine portfolio targeting human cytomegalovirus.[71] In February 2015, the company received approval from the Food and Drug Administration for palbociclib (Ibrance) for treatment of certain types of breast cancer.[72][73] In March 2015, the company announced it would restart its collaboration with Eli Lilly and Company surrounding the Phase III trial of Tanezumab.[74] In May 2015, Pfizer and a Bar-Ilan University laboratory announced a partnership based on the development of medical DNA nanotechnology.[75] In June 2015, the company acquired Nimenrix and Mencevax, meningococcal vaccines, from GlaxoSmithKline for around $130million.[76] In September 2015, Pfizer acquired Hospira for $17billion, including the assumption of debt.[77]Hospira was the largest producer of generic injectable pharmaceuticals in the world.[78] On November 23, 2015, Pfizer and Allergan announced a planned $160billion merger, in the largest pharmaceutical deal ever and the third largest corporate merger in history.The proposed transaction contemplated that the merged company maintain Allergan's Republic of Ireland domicile, resulting in the new company being subject to corporation tax at the relatively low rate of 12.5%.[79] The deal was to constitute a reverse merger, whereby Allergan acquired Pfizer, with the new company then changing its name to "Pfizer, plc".[80][81][82] On April 6, 2016, Pfizer and Allergan terminated the merger agreement after the Obama administration and the United States Department of the Treasury introduced new laws intended to limit corporate inversions (the extent to which companies could move their headquarters overseas in order to reduce the amount of taxes they pay).[83][84]
In June 2016, the company acquired Anacor Pharmaceuticals for $5.2billion, expanding its portfolio in both inflammation and immunology drugs areas.[85] In August 2016, the company made a $40million bid for the assets of BIND Therapeutics, which was in bankruptcy.[86] The same month, the company acquired Bamboo Therapeutics for $645million, expanding its gene therapy offerings.[87] In September 2016, the company acquired cancer drug-maker Medivation for $14billion.[88][89] In October 2016, the company licensed the anti-CTLA4 monoclonal antibody, ONC-392, from OncoImmune.[90] In November 2016, Pfizer funded a $3,435,600 study with the CDC Foundation to research "screen-and-treat" strategies for cryptococcal disease in Botswana.[91] In December 2016, Pfizer acquired AstraZeneca's small-molecule antibiotics business for $1.575 billion.[92][93]
In January 2018, Pfizer announced that it would end its work on research into treatments for Alzheimer's disease and Parkinsonism (a symptom of Parkinson's disease and other conditions).The company said about 300 researchers would lose their jobs.[94] In July 2018, the Food and Drug Administration approved enzalutamide, developed by Pfizer and Astellas Pharma for patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer.[95] In August 2018, Pfizer signed an agreement with BioNTech to conduct joint research and development activities regarding mRNA-based influenza vaccines.[96] In October 2018, effective January 1, 2019, Albert Bourla was promoted to chief executive officer, succeeding Ian Read, his mentor.[97][98][99][100]In July 2019, the company acquired Therachon for up to $810million, expanding its rare disease portfolio through Therachon's recombinant human fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 compound, aimed at treating conditions such as achondroplasia.[101] Also in July, Pfizer acquired Array Biopharma for $10.6billion, boosting its oncology pipeline.[102] In August 2019, Pfizer merged its consumer health business with that of GlaxoSmithKline, into a joint venture owned 68% by GlaxoSmithKline and 32% by Pfizer, with plans to make it a public company.The transaction built on a 2018 transaction where GlaxoSmithKline acquired Novartis' stake in the GSK-Novartis consumer healthcare joint business.[103] The transaction followed negotiations with other companies including Reckitt Benckiser,[104]Sanofi, Johnson & Johnson,[105] and Procter & Gamble.[106] In September 2019, Pfizer initiated a study with the CDC Foundation to investigate the tracking of healthcare-associated infections, scheduled to run through to June 2023.[91] In December 2019, Pfizer awarded the CDC Foundation a further $1,948,482 to continue its cryptococcal disease screening and treatment research in nine African countries.
Foundation for the National Institutes of Health
announced the Accelerating COVID-19 Therapeutic Interventions and Vaccines (ACTIV) public-private partnership to develop a coordinated research strategy for prioritizing and speeding up development of COVID-19 vaccines and pharmaceutical products.
In Canada, Pfizer endorsed the use of a vaccine passportmobile app developed by CANImmunize in order to record and track status of COVID-19 vaccination.[115]
As the scale of the COVID-19 pandemic became apparent, Pfizer partnered with BioNTech to study and develop COVID-19 mRNA vaccine candidates.Unlike many of its competitors, Pfizer took no initial research funds from the United States' Operation Warp Speed vaccine development program, instead choosing to invest roughly $2 billion of its own funds.Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla has said that he declined money from Operation Warp Speed to avoid government intervention, stating later that "when you get money from someone that always comes with strings. They want to see how we are going to progress, what type of moves you are going to do. They want reports. And also, I wanted to keep Pfizer out of politics, by the way."[116]
In May 2020, Pfizer began testing four different COVID-19 vaccine variations using lipid nanoparticle technology provided by Canadian biotechnology company Acuitas Therapeutics.[117] Vaccines were injected into the first human participants in the U.S. in early May.In July 2020, Pfizer and BioNTech announced that two of the partners' four mRNA vaccine candidates had won fast track designation from the FDA.[118] The company began Phase II-III testing on 30,000 people in the last week of July 2020 and was slated to be paid $1.95 billion for 100million doses of the vaccine by the US government.[119] In September 2020, Pfizer and BioNTech announced that they had completed talks with the European Commission to provide an initial 200million vaccine doses to the EU, with the option to supply another 100million doses at a later date.[120]
On November 9, 2020, Pfizer announced that BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine, tested on 43,500 people, was found to be 90% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19.[121] The efficacy was updated to 95% a week later, described as a "really a spectacular number" and made Pfizer and BioNTech the first companies to develop and test a working vaccine for COVID-19.[122][123]
In November and December 2020, regulators in various countries approved Pfizer's vaccine for emergency use.[124]
Development of oral antivirals
In November 2021, Pfizer launched a new COVID-19 oral antivirus treatment known as Paxlovid.In January 2022, the Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla confirmed that the trial results of a fourth dose were pending until March 2022.He said that the firm was setting up a collaboration to develop an anti-COVID pill treatment along with a French company, Novasep.He also said the COVID vaccine was "safe and efficient" for children.[125][126] In May 2022, reports emerged of patients experiencing "rebound" symptoms after completing a five-day course of Paxlovid.[127] The FDA responded by announcing they had performed additional analyses of the drug's clinical trial data, and decided against changing its recommendations.[128] U.S. President Joe Biden and Dr. Anthony Fauci were both reported to experience this rebound syndrome in the months that followed, while continuing to recommend the drug for those who may benefit from it.[129]
Corporate developments and acquisitions
In September 2020, the company acquired a 9.9% stake in CStone Pharmaceuticals for $200million (HK$1.55billion), helping to commercialise its anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody, CS1001.[130] In October 2020, the company acquired Arixa Pharmaceuticals.[131] In November 2020, using a Reverse Morris Trust structure, Pfizer merged its off-patent branded and generic drug business, known as Upjohn, with Mylan to form Viatris, owned 57% by Pfizer shareholders.[132][133]
On January 5, 2021, Pfizer introduced a new logo.[134] In April 2021, Pfizer acquired Amplyx Pharmaceuticals and its anti-fungal compound fosmanogepix (APX001).[135][136] In August, the company announced it would acquire Trillium Therapeutics Inc and its immuno-oncology portfolio for $2.3 billion.[137][138]
In March 2022, the company acquired Arena Pharmaceuticals for $6.7 billion in cash.[139][140][141] In June 2022, the company acquired ReViral Ltd, for up to $525 million, gaining access to experimental drugs used to combat respiratory syncytial virus infections.[142][143] In October 2022, the company acquired Biohaven Pharma and its calcitonin gene-related peptide programs for $11.6 billion.[144][145][146]
In April 2023, Pfizer moved its world headquarters from 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan to the Spiral at Hudson Yards.[150][151]
In December 2023, the company acquired Seagen, a pioneer of antibody–drug conjugates for the treatment of cancer, for $43billion.[152][153]
In March 2025, the company sold its entire stake in Haleon for $3.24 billion to institutional investors.[154]
Tariffs
In October 2025, Pfizer entered an agreement with the Trump administration to voluntarily lower US drug prices, which included a three-year exemption from pharmaceutical-specific tariffs, as long as the firm further invests in domestic manufacturing.Pfizer pledged to put $70 billion into US manufacturing and research.[155]
Pfizer joined the partnership as an industry "leadership organization", and participated as a collaborator in ACTIV-led clinical trials.
In Canada, Pfizer endorsed the use of a vaccine passportmobile app developed by CANImmunize in order to record and track status of COVID-19 vaccination.[115]
As the scale of the COVID-19 pandemic became apparent, Pfizer partnered with BioNTech to study and develop COVID-19 mRNA vaccine candidates.Unlike many of its competitors, Pfizer took no initial research funds from the United States' Operation Warp Speed vaccine development program, instead choosing to invest roughly $2 billion of its own funds.Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla has said that he declined money from Operation Warp Speed to avoid government intervention, stating later that "when you get money from someone that always comes with strings. They want to see how we are going to progress, what type of moves you are going to do. They want reports. And also, I wanted to keep Pfizer out of politics, by the way."[116]
In May 2020, Pfizer began testing four different COVID-19 vaccine variations using lipid nanoparticle technology provided by Canadian biotechnology company Acuitas Therapeutics.[117] Vaccines were injected into the first human participants in the U.S. in early May.In July 2020, Pfizer and BioNTech announced that two of the partners' four mRNA vaccine candidates had won fast track designation from the FDA.[118] The company began Phase II-III testing on 30,000 people in the last week of July 2020 and was slated to be paid $1.95 billion for 100million doses of the vaccine by the US government.[119] In September 2020, Pfizer and BioNTech announced that they had completed talks with the European Commission to provide an initial 200million vaccine doses to the EU, with the option to supply another 100million doses at a later date.[120]
On November 9, 2020, Pfizer announced that BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine, tested on 43,500 people, was found to be 90% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19.[121] The efficacy was updated to 95% a week later, described as a "really a spectacular number" and made Pfizer and BioNTech the first companies to develop and test a working vaccine for COVID-19.[122][123]
In November and December 2020, regulators in various countries approved Pfizer's vaccine for emergency use.[124]
In April 2021, Pfizer acquired Amplyx Pharmaceuticals and its anti-fungal compound
In March 2022, the company acquired Arena Pharmaceuticals for $6.7 billion in cash.[139][140][141] In June 2022, the company acquired ReViral Ltd, for up to $525 million, gaining access to experimental drugs used to combat respiratory syncytial virus infections.[142][143] In October 2022, the company acquired Biohaven Pharma and its calcitonin gene-related peptide programs for $11.6 billion.[144][145][146] It also acquired Global Blood Therapeutics for $5.4 billion, boosting Pfizer's rare disease business.[147][148][149]
In April 2023, Pfizer moved its world headquarters from 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan to the Spiral at Hudson Yards.[150][151]
In December 2023, the company acquired Seagen, a pioneer of antibody–drug conjugates for the treatment of cancer, for $43billion.[152][153]
In March 2025, the company sold its entire stake in Haleon for $3.24 billion to institutional investors.[154]
Bladder Cancer: The EV-302 study investigated new treatments for advanced urothelial cancer, focusing on improving care for hard-to-treat patient groups.[169]
that required it to make substantial structural reforms within the company, and publish to its website its post approval commitments and a searchable database of all payments to physicians made by the company.
, federal prosecutors instead charged a subsidiary of a subsidiary of a subsidiary of Pfizer, which is "nothing more than a shell company whose only function is to plead guilty."
that required it to make substantial structural reforms within the company, and publish to its website its post approval commitments and a searchable database of all payments to physicians made by the company.
, federal prosecutors instead charged a subsidiary of a subsidiary of a subsidiary of Pfizer, which is "nothing more than a shell company whose only function is to plead guilty."
, "[r]esearchers did not obtain signed consent forms, and medical personnel said Pfizer did not tell parents their children were getting the experimental drug."
The lawsuits also accused Pfizer of using the outbreak to perform unapproved human testing, as well as allegedly under-dosing a control group being treated with traditional antibiotics in order to skew the results of the trial in favor of Trovan.
Nigerian medical personnel as well as at least one Pfizer physician said the trial was conducted without regulatory approval.[206][207]
In 2007, Pfizer published a Statement of Defense letter, claiming that Trozan was safely tested in five thousand patients prior to the Nigerian children clinical trial, and mortality in the patients treated by Pfizer was lower than that observed historically in African meningitis epidemics.[208] They claim that the effects suffered by the victims were due to meningitis and not Trovan. Pfizer states that its actions did not violate any law, as there was no law in Nigeria that requires ethical committee approval prior to conducting a clinical trial. However, the drug was never tested in children before. Pfizier claims that no unusual side effects, unrelated to meningitis, were observed after four weeks in the Nigerian children clinical study, though an investigation by the Washington Post revealed that one of the children continued to have the drug administered to them until their death despite their condition worsening, which violated ethical guidelines.[209]
In March 2001 the license for Trovan was withdrawn in Europe, by the European Commission due to liver toxicity and some deaths.[210]
In June 2010, the US Supreme Court rejected Pfizer's appeal against a ruling allowing lawsuits by the Nigerian families to proceed.[211]
In December 2010, the United States diplomatic cables leak indicated that Pfizer hired investigators to find evidence of corruption against Nigerian attorney general Michael Aondoakaa to persuade him to drop legal action.[212]The Washington Post reporter Joe Stephens, who helped break the story in 2000, called these actions "dangerously close to blackmail".[205] In response, the company released a press statement describing the allegations as "preposterous" and saying that it acted in good faith.[213] Aondoakka, who had allegedly demanded bribes from Pfizer in return for a settlement of the case,[214] was declared unfit for office and had his U.S. visa revoked in association with corruption charges in 2010.[215][216]
The lawsuits were eventually settled out of court. Pfizer committed to paying US$35 million "to compensate the families of children in the study", another $30 million to "support healthcare initiatives in Kano", and $10 million to cover legal costs. Payouts began in 2011.[217]
European Medicines Agency
(EMA) stated in a response to the
European Parliament
, that "the deficiencies identified do not jeopardize the quality and integrity of the data from the main Comirnaty trial and have no impact on the benefit-risk assessment or on the conclusions on the safety, effectiveness and quality of the vaccine".
emphasized that Ventavia oversaw just three of the 153 clinical sites involved with Pfizer's trial and "a small fraction (~1,000 by the time the whistleblower was fired) of the trial's over ~44,000 subjects."
On 10 October 2022, during a session of the European Parliament's Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic, Pfizer executive Janine Small testified that the company had not evaluated the Pfizer–BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for its ability to reduce transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus prior to its release to the general public.[226][227] Dutch MEP Rob Roos described the admission as "scandalous".[228] CEO Albert Bourla was slated to attend, but withdrew.[229] Roos' statements in turn have been described as "misleading".[230]
