Albert Bourla, the CEO of Pfizer, is looking to shift the focus of the company from its successful COVID-19 vaccine and antiviral Paxlovid to new investments in drugs for cancer and obesity. While Pfizer’s stock price has taken a hit due to falling short of expectations for vaccine and antiviral sales, Bourla remains optimistic about the future of the company.
In a recent interview with The Associated Press, Bourla highlighted the importance of Pfizer’s COVID-19 products, acknowledging that they may not reach the initial revenue projections but will continue to play a crucial role in the company’s portfolio. He also discussed Pfizer’s partnership with Seagen, a leading company in antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology for cancer treatment.
Bourla used a military analogy to explain the difference between traditional chemotherapy and ADCs. He described chemotherapy as a method similar to bombing an entire area, affecting both cancer cells and healthy cells. In contrast, ADCs are more targeted, like GPS-guided missiles that specifically identify and attack cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. With Seagen, Pfizer has gained access to multiple products on the market, as well as a pipeline of promising clinical trials and a team of skilled scientists.
In addition to cancer treatments, Pfizer is also focusing on developing a new obesity pill called danuglipron. While the company faced setbacks with a twice-a-day formulation due to side effects, they are optimistic about the potential of a once-a-day version. With data from Phase 2 studies involving over 1,400 patients globally, Pfizer believes that the once-a-day pill could offer both tolerability and efficacy for individuals looking to manage their weight.
Overall, Bourla’s vision for Pfizer’s future includes a shift towards innovative treatments for cancer and obesity, building on the company’s success in the COVID-19 space. Despite challenges and setbacks, Pfizer remains committed to advancing medical science and improving patient outcomes in these critical areas of healthcare.