Pfizer to Acquire Vicuron for $1.9 Billion

Strengthening its line of anti-infectives, Pfizer, Inc. (New York, NY, USA) has agreed to acquire Vicuron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (King of Prussia, PA, USA) for around U.S.$1.9 billion in cash.

Vicuron has developed two new products for hospital-based and community-acquired infections. Dalbavancin has shown positive results for Gram-positive infections such as complicated skin and soft-tissue infections and catheter-related bloodstream infections. Anidulafungin offers broad spectrum activity against aspergillus and most candidal fungal infections.

An existing collaboration between Pfizer and Vicuron has resulted in discoveries related to next-generation oxazolidinones, the first new class of antibiotics in more than 30 years. These orally active antibiotics are more potent and have a broader spectrum of activity than existing classes of compounds. Pfizer has a long history of bringing important antibiotics to market, including Zyvox, an oxazolidinone targeted at more serious Gram-positive infections.

"This transaction builds on Pfizer's extensive experience in anti-infectives and demonstrates our commitment to strengthen and broaden our pharmaceutical business through strategic product acquisitions,” noted Hank McKinnell, chairman and CEO of Pfizer.





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