Pfizer

Pfizer is considered to be the largest pharmaceutical company in the world. Brand name drugs produced by Pfizer include Lipitor (Atorvastatin), Viagra, and Celebrex.

On September 2, 2009 Pfizer agreed to a $2.3 billion settlement, for its illegal marketing and promotion of four prescription medications. http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20090902-707834.html

On May 14, 2009, Pfizer announced that it would provide free prescription drugs to unemployed and uninsured Americans. More than 70 medications, including Lipitor and Viagra, will be given away to Americans who lost their jobs since January 1, 2009, and have been using an included drug for more than three months. Patients can apply for the program by calling (866) 706-2400.Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Free Lipitor, Viagra, Other Drugs for Jobless

On January 26, 2009, Pfizer announced it would acquire Wyeth Pharmaceuticals in a deal worth about $68 billion dollars—the largest merger in the pharmaceutical industry in nearly 10 years. Pfizer also said it would cut about 10% of its workforce and close several manufacturing plants.Health Blog (WSJ): Pfizer Broadens Beyond Pills with $68 Billion Wyeth Buy (January 26, 2009) CNNMoney.com: Pfizer to buy Wyeth for $68 billion (January 26, 2009)

On January 13, 2009, Pfizer announced that it would lay off 800 scientists.WSJ.com: Pfizer Plans to Lay Off Up to 800 Researchers (January 13, 2009) According to a Pfizer spokesperson, the cutbacks will affect the development of early-stage drug development for medicine related to heart failure, high cholesterol and obesity. However, the company plans of restructuring to focus on cancer, brain disorders and diabetes.Bloomberg.com: Pfizer to Fire 800 Researchers in Focus on Cancer (January 13, 2009)

• Bextra
• Celebrex
• Depo-Medrol
• Depo Provera
• Inspra
• Lipitor
• Viagra
• Xanax
• Xanax XR
• Zoloft
• Zyrtec
• Zyvox