The summit will provide insights into the process of drug discovery and development, helping advocates understand the extraordinary resources required to bring a new cancer treatment to market. Advocates will also learn about Pfizer's emerging scientific platforms in cancer research including: anti-angiogenesis, immuno-oncology, vaccines and signal transduction.
Thirty-nine advocacy group representatives will attend the three-day summit, which starts tomorrow and will meet for one of those days at the Pfizer La Jolla facility in California. In addition to a broad range of groups from the U.S., representatives from Belgium, Brazil, Canada, England, India, Italy, the Netherlands, South Africa, Spain and Turkey are expected. Participating groups include those from general cancer organizations, as well as those focused on specific tumor types, such as breast, colorectal, lung, pancreatic, sarcomas and skin cancers.
“We are very pleased to have such broad representation from both domestic and international organizations, and expect thoughtful and dynamic group discussions,” said Nina M. Hill, vice president, Worldwide Alliance Development. “Growing and creating new partnerships with these organizations will facilitate global communications and improved patient-centered care as the Pfizer Oncology portfolio continues to advance.”
The advocates will see science in the making as they tour the Pfizer La Jolla research laboratories and engage in small group discussions with scientists. Later in the day, the advocates will share their expertise during an open poster session.
In addition, the summit will present information and foster discussions on the importance of global access to medicines and clinical trials.
Advocacy R&D Summit:
By the Numbers
39 - Number of worldwide advocacy representatives
26 - Number of U.S. advocacy organization representatives
13 - Number of international advocacy organization representatives
6 - Number of cancer types addressed by participating organizations
“With several promising cancer therapies in our pipeline, it is critical that we engage advocacy organizations to understand their unmet needs and help dismantle barriers to clinical trial patient enrollment,” said Krystyna Gurstelle, director, Oncology, Worldwide Commercial Development. “Because of participation in clinical trials, we are able to provide new and effective treatments for the cancer community.”
The advocacy R&D summit, the first of its kind for Pfizer Oncology, is a collaborative effort by Worldwide Commercial Development and Worldwide Alliance Development, with support from Pfizer Global Research & Development, Worldwide Public Affairs and Policy and the Patient Advocate Managers Network, a colleague network of alliance development professionals worldwide.
