Pfizer, University College London enter collaboration to research stem cell-based therapies

CAMBRIDGE, England — Pfizer Regenerative Medicine, an independent research unit launched by Pfizer last year, has entered into a collaboration and license agreement with University College London to develop stem cell-based therapies for treating wet and dry age-related macular degeneration, Pfizer announced in a press release.

Specifically, the partnership plans to execute a clinical program to examine how human embryonic stem cells differentiate into retinal pigment epithelium with the goal of developing treatments for AMD and other retinal diseases, with Pfizer focusing on clinical study design, product manufacturing and securing worldwide regulatory approvals, the release said.

Under the terms of the agreement, Pfizer will fund University College London's preclinical research. In turn, Pfizer will retain exclusive worldwide rights to proceed with efficacy trials to develop and commercialize any resulting retinal pigment epithelium stem cell-based therapies.

"We are excited to be working with pioneers in the field of stem cell ophthalmology from UCL," Ruth McKernan, PhD, chief scientific officer for Pfizer Regenerative Medicine, said in the release. "While we have much to learn about how stem cells can be used therapeutically, we are confident that this relationship will increase that understanding and help us advance to a time when our work may benefit patients worldwide."