Eyetech Pharmaceuticals, Inc.,Tuesday, April 22, 2003
NEW YORK, NY, April 22, 2003 — Eyetech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced it has entered into an agreement with Pfizer Inc. in which Eyetech’s sales force will participate in selling XALATAN(R) (latanoprost ophthalmic solution), Pfizer’s once-daily prescription eye drop, to ophthalmologists and retinal specialists in the United States. XALATAN is the world’s top-selling glaucoma medication and the first and only prostaglandin with a first-line indication for the treatment of elevated eye pressure (intraocular pressure or IOP) in the U.S. and Europe. Further terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“This agreement is particularly significant for Eyetech because it will allow us to accelerate building a top-notch, specialty field force organization in advance of potential commercialization of our lead product, Macugen (pegaptanib sodium)” said Dr. David Guyer, Eyetech Pharmaceuticals’ co-founder and chief executive officer.
Previously, in December 2002 Pfizer and Eyetech announced a collaboration to jointly develop and commercialize Eyetech’s Macugen(TM) (pegaptanib sodium), a potential treatment for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME), both leading causes of blindness. The two companies are currently supporting the largest Phase III development program for wet AMD, involving nearly 1,200 patients at 117 investigational sites in the United States, Canada, South America, Europe, Israel and Australia.
Eyetech Pharmaceuticals (http://www.eyetk.com) is dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of novel therapeutics and delivery systems to combat the vision loss associated with ophthalmic diseases. Founded in 2000, the privately-held, New York City-based company is focused on meeting the unmet medical needs of patients with diseases that affect the back of the eye. Its investors include partners and affiliates of JP Morgan Partners, BB Biotech, MPM Capital, Alta Partners, Schroeder Ventures, Life Sciences and International BioTechnology Trust plc, and Merrill Lynch KeCalp.
Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures and markets leading prescription medicines, for humans and animals, and many of the world’s best-known consumer brands.
DISCLOSURE NOTICE: The information contained in this document is as of April 22, 2003. Pfizer assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this document as a result of new information or future events or developments.
This document contains forward-looking information about a product in development that involves inherent uncertainties. The success of this research and development project and the speed with which regulatory authorizations and the launch of the product may be achieved, as well as competitive factors, could affect the actual outcome of this collaboration.
A further list and description of the risks, uncertainties and other matters that could cause the Pfizer’s description contained herein to differ materially can be found in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001, and in its periodic reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K (if any).
CONTACT:
Justin Jackson
212-213-0006
Burns McClellan on behalf of Eyetech Pharmaceuticals
