According to Pfizer, scientists at Pfizer Regenerative Medicine will explore the use of stem cells to develop future treatments that may prevent disability, repair failing organs and treat degenerative diseases. The goal will be to deliver new medicinal products that can pave the way for the use of cells as therapeutics.
The unit will be led by chief scientific officer, Ruth McKernan. Pfizer Regenerative Medicine will operate as one of Pfizer’s new small, independent research units to help it foster a biotechnology culture and environment. A key component to the success of the units will be collaboration with academic, biotech and pharmaceutical partners around the world.
Pfizer Regenerative Medicine will be co-located in the biotech hubs of Cambridge, UK and Cambridge, Massachusetts in the US. It is expected to expand to employ around 70 researchers. Scientists will operate in small, flexible teams, with the capability to make decisions quickly and effectively, the company said.
The Cambridge UK site is based at Granta Park and will focus on neural and sensory disorders. The Cambridge, Massachusetts site is based at Pfizer’s Research Technology Centre and will focus on endocrine and cardiac research.