23/04/09

(April 23, 2009) Pfizer, the world's leading pharmaceutical company, today announced that it has teamed up with the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) to pursue innovative biomedical research. Pfizer will tap into HKSTP's network of universities and research institutes and will work together on identifying opportunities to further develop biomedical projects utilizing HKSTP's facilities and support programs. This partnership is the latest in a series of such initiatives Pfizer has recently undertaken to enhance collaboration in the biotechnology arena in the Asia Pacific.

At a ceremony held today on HKSTP's Shatin campus, attended by the Government of Hong Kong SAR Financial Secretary, Mr. John C Tsang and Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development, Mr. Duncan Pescod, Pfizer entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with HKSTP. The memorandum makes the science park the preferred partner for Pfizer projects involving incubation facilities and services support for future biomedical research and development in the Hong Kong area.

"Pfizer is dedicated to pursuing innovative biomedical research both through its own facilities and in collaboration with external laboratories. Our strategic focus is on accessing the leading biomedical science in Asia by building a network of partnerships with universities, research institutes, and biotechnology companies," said Al Gabor, Regional President for North Asia, India, Pakistan, and Thailand. "We are exceptionally pleased to partner with the Hong Kong Science Park in this endeavor, which is an important step toward boosting Asia's biotechnology sector. Ultimately, we hope the collaboration will help us to better meet the needs of patients in the region," Mr. Gabor added.

"We will maintain our efforts to bring international players and expertise to Hong Kong. On that note, we are very happy about our new partnership with Pfizer, a recognized world leader in the pharmaceuticals industry," said Mr. Nicholas Brooke, Chairman of HKSTP. "With the unveiling of the Biotech Centre, HKSTP has further signaled our intent and dedication to this sector," said Mr. Brooke.

Pfizer has recently established a series of partnerships in the arena of biotechnology throughout Asia. Last month, Pfizer joined in an agreement with Peking University's Health Science Center to form the Peking University-Pfizer Pharmacometrics Education Center, a multi-year collaboration, to which Pfizer has pledged RMB 3 Million ($430,000) to fund the education of talented Chinese scientists in pharmacometrics, a critically important technical area in drug development. Last May, Pfizer signed a memorandum of understanding with four university hospitals (Samsung Medical Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Severance Hospital and Asan Medical Center) in Korea, and selected the four leading hospitals as its Clinical Research Site, or CRS partners. Last year, Pfizer also named Nizams Institute of Medical sciences in Hyderabad and the Amrita Institute of Medical Science in Kochi as Preferred Research Centers.

About Pfizer

Pfizer Inc, founded in 1849, is dedicated to better health and greater access to health care for people and their valued animals. Every day, more than 80,000 colleagues in more than 150 countries work to discover, develop, manufacture and deliver quality, safe and effective prescription medicines to patients

On 21 April 2009, Pfizer received Frost & Sullivan's 2009 Asia Pacific Excellence in Healthcare - Multinational Pharmaceuticals Company of the Year Award in recognition of unparalleled excellence within the pharmaceutical industry. The award was based on numerous factors including the company's business development, competitive strategy, customer satisfaction, and leadership.

More information about Pfizer is available at www.pfizer.com.

About Hong Kong Science And Technology Parks

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation ("HKSTP") is a statutory body set up by the Government of the Hong Kong SAR. HKSTP provides innovative and technology-driven infrastructure and support facilities that include market-focused laboratory services, enabling Hong Kong industries and services to be more competitive; offers a full-service incubation programme for technology and design start-ups; and fosters partnerships and collaboration between industry and universities/applied research institutes through consulting, training and research programmes. HKSTP offers advanced facilities and support services for high-technology companies that include an IC Design Centre, an IC Development Support Centre, a Materials Analysis Laboratory, a Photonics Development Support Centre, a Wireless Communications Test Laboratory and an Intellectual Property Servicing Centre.

More information about HKSTP is available at www.hkstp.org.