Pfizer to End Early-Stage Research in Neuroscience

Pfizer announced earlier this month it will be ending its early-stage neuroscience research programs, a move that will result in the loss of about 300 jobs. The neuroscience programs were primarily focused on treatments for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, and were all in preclinical stages or in phase 1/phase 2 status. Pfizer stated that it will continue its research and development work on the pain medications tanezumab and Lyrica, as well as its neuromuscular and neurological research in the rare diseases program. The company also stated that it will launch a new venture fund to invest in neuroscience research projects.