Pfizer uncouples from GlycoMimetics and its failed sickle cell disease drug
Once largely overlooked, sickle cell disease (SCD) has recently seen a flurry of approvals. For Pfizer — an SCD drug that has faltered in the pivotal stage of development — certainly doesn’t pass muster, not in this market. On Monday, the 170-year-old company severed ties with Maryland-based GlycoMimetics, walking away from the alliance the two entered into nearly a decade ago.
Pfizer tied up with the Rockville biotech to work on an experimental drug — rivipansel — for vaso-occlusive crises that occur as a result of SCD in a deal worth up to $340 million ($22.5 million upfront, with $115 million — which was later adjusted to $80 million — in development milestones) in 2011. At the time, the therapy had been granted orphan drug and fast track status and was in a Phase II trial.
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