Pfizer's Stem Cell Research Policy

When people think of human embryonic stem cells, they don't often imagine the power of these cells in drug discovery.

For more than a decade, Pfizer has been using animal or adult stem cells in its laboratories to help screen new compounds and identify safer and more effective medicines.

With compelling evidence from this research, Pfizer has begun to explore accessing drug development technology from leading academic, biotechnology or pharmaceutical partners around the world, who also have experience with currently-available, human embryonic stem cell lines that meet the highest ethical standards set by leading scientific authorities. This Pfizer Stem Cell Policy guides the company's research activities and its exploration of new external partnerships. The policy summary follows:

• Pfizer recognizes the enormous potential of stem cell research. Stem cells are important tools for modern biomedical research, including Pfizer's search for innovative new medicines.
• Pfizer has made significant investments in animal stem cells and in human adult hematopoietic (somatic) stem cells. The company will continue to invest in these stem cell technologies.
• Pfizer recognizes that human embryonic stem cells may provide even greater potential due to their increased ability for self-renewal and capacity to form a wide variety of cells and tissues.
• Pfizer acknowledges the sensitive issues raised by this research, and we support proper ethical safeguards that take into account both the moral issues and public sensitivities.
• Pfizer will only engage in stem cell research projects that meet the highest ethical standards set by leading scientific authorities around the world, including the Guidelines developed by the National Academy of Sciences in the USA.
• Pfizer strongly opposes any efforts to clone human beings.