News Details

Pfizer Animal Health Expands Global Headquarters in Michigan with Opening of Equine Research Center

November 8, 2011

KALAMAZOO, Mich.--Pfizer Animal Health affirmed its commitment to innovation in equine health with the opening today of the Pfizer Animal Health Equine Research Center in Richland, Mich. The center, the culmination of a $7 million investment, expands Pfizer Animal Health’s global research and development network headquarters in Kalamazoo, Mich., and will serve as the worldwide hub for research and development of equine vaccines and novel therapeutics.

“The dedication of the Equine Research Center builds on the $75 million investment in the renovation and expansion of Pfizer’s veterinary medicine R&D headquarters in Kalamazoo completed in 2009,” said Dr. Cathy Knupp, Vice President, Veterinary Medicine Research and Development, Pfizer Animal Health. “The Center will support the work of a multi-disciplinary team of scientists committed to providing horse owners and the veterinarians who support them with truly innovative, best-in-class health solutions.”

The Center adds 24,000 square feet of research laboratory space as well as paddock and pasture facilities. It will serve as the U.S. equine research center of excellence for a multi-disciplinary team of scientists and specialists.

“Horses, like humans, are vulnerable to new outbreaks of prevalent illnesses such as equine influenza virus and Streptococcus equi as well as to emerging diseases such as Hendra virus,” said Dr. Paul Lunn, Ph.D., MRCVS, Dip. ACVIM, Professor and Head, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University. “The Pfizer Equine Research Center will help answer the urgent imperative for much needed innovation to help horses live longer, healthier lives.”

According to Dr. Mahesh Kumar, executive director, Global Biologics Research, who will lead the vaccine development program at the site, Pfizer and Wyeth/Fort Dodge Animal Health set the standard for first-in-class equine vaccines such as the West Nile Innovator® vaccine and Fluvac Innovator®, the first vaccine against equine influenza virus. “The Center and its scientific team will serve as the engine for equine research, speeding the development of a next generation of equine vaccines and therapeutics,” he said.

Pfizer Animal Health invests more in research development – greater than $300 million annually – than any other animal health company. The veterinary medicine R&D facilities in Kalamazoo, which include the research farm in Richland, serve as U.S. and worldwide headquarters for Pfizer Animal Health’s global R&D network of 15 sites across four continents. These include R&D centers in the United States, Canada, Brazil, Spain, Belgium, France, India, China, and Australia. Pfizer employs more than 800 veterinary R&D scientists and specialists worldwide.

For more information about Pfizer Animal Health, its equine product portfolio and its research and development, visit www.animalhealth.pfizer.com or animalhealth.us.pfizer.com.

About Pfizer Animal Health

Pfizer Animal Health, a business unit of Pfizer Inc., is a world leader in the discovery, development and manufacture of innovative animal health vaccines, medicines, diagnostic products and genetic tests. Pfizer Animal Health invests more in research and development than any other animal health company. We work to assure a safe, sustainable global food supply from healthy beef and dairy cattle, swine, poultry, sheep and fish while helping dogs, cats and horses live healthier longer lives. We strive to be the animal health company that provides full healthcare solutions to veterinarians, livestock producers, and pet owners. To learn more, visit https://animalhealth.pfizer.com.

Pfizer Inc.: Working together for a healthier world™

At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to improve health and well-being at every stage of life. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacturing of medicines for people and animals. Our diversified global health care portfolio includes human and animal biologic and small molecule medicines and vaccines, as well as nutritional products and many of the world’s best-known consumer products. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as the world’s leading biopharmaceutical company, we also collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For more than 150 years, Pfizer has worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. To learn more about our commitments, please visit us at www.pfizer.com.

Pfizer Media:
Christopher Loder
212-733-7897
christopher.loder@pfizer.com

Multimedia Files: