Rabat – Pharmaceutical and biotechnology company Pfizer marked its 175-year anniversary in a grand event in Dubai last week to reflect on its contributions to global and regional medical advancements and outline its vision for the future.
The celebration highlighted Pfizer’s commitment to improving healthcare and the significant impact it has made across the Middle East, Russia, and Africa (MERA) region. “We really want to be there for all patients that need us,” Patrick van der Loo, Regional President of Pfizer MERA, told Morocco World News on the sidelines of the event.
A Legacy of Innovation
Pfizer’s journey began in 1849 with anti-parasitic work by its founders in Brooklyn, and over the past 175 years, it has become a global leader in pharmaceuticals.
Starting with the mass fermentation of penicillin during the Second World War, van der Loo said the company had numerous key innovations, including the first once-a-day antibiotic, advancements in cardiovascular medicine, and most recently, Pfizer’s work in oncology and the rapid development of its mRNA vaccine for COVID-19.
He reflected on how Pfizer’s contributions have had a massive global impact, from providing medicines during the US Civil War to addressing prevalent diseases in the Middle East and Africa, such as sickle cell disease.
In 2023, Pfizer’s efforts reached over 45 million patients and saw 32 successful product launches across MERA, said the company in a press release. It also implemented 30 patient access programs in 11 countries, directly benefiting around 15,000 patients.
Key collaborations with governments have played a crucial role in these achievements. For instance, partnerships with Haya Karima in Egypt and the Moroccan Ministry of Health have been instrumental in advancing universal health coverage and combating antimicrobial resistance, according to the statement.
The company also highlighted collaboration with the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi, focusing on the generation and analysis of real-world data to advance research on rare diseases like Sickle Cell Disease.
“We are incredibly honored to partner with public sector leaders and to be strategic contributors in driving national healthcare agendas forward, bringing innovative treatments to those who need them wherever they are,” van der Loo said.
Reflections on the COVID-19 Pandemic
Reflecting on the pandemic, van der Loo emphasized Pfizer’s role in developing and distributing the COVID-19 vaccine. He highlighted the company’s work to “save the global community with the first development and mass production of an mRNA vaccine for Covid-19.”
“The pandemic was a very difficult time, and because we were the first to market with a COVID-19 vaccine, there were many governments that needed to work with us to bring the vaccine to their populations as quickly as possible,” he recalled.
For van der Loo, this achievement demonstrated Pfizer’s ability to innovate and collaborate effectively under pressure, as well as build on longstanding relationships with global stakeholders.
He also highlighted the rapid adoption of digital tools during the pandemic, noting, “There was a lot more use of digital by necessity, because it simply wasn’t possible to do things paper-based and in person.”
The pandemic accelerated Pfizer’s engagement with governments and healthcare authorities worldwide, including those of Morocco. Van der Loo underlined how Pfizer’s longstanding relationships with the Moroccan Ministry of Health and Ministry of Foreign Affairs facilitated the rapid distribution and administration of vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I have very fond memories of the engagements that I had with both the [Moroccan] minister of health and the minister of foreign affairs during the pandemic, because I think it exemplifies how public and private can work together more closely,” he remarked.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Pfizer’s 175-year anniversary was also an opportunity for the company to highlight its dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), which it said is evident in its efforts to understand and address the unique healthcare needs of the MERA region.
Initiatives like the Leadership Aspiring Future Talents (LAFTA) program and collaborations with organizations such as the Arab International Women’s Forum (AIWF) aim to create a more inclusive workplace and promote equitable health outcomes.
Van der Loo added that Pfizer’s “Give Back” initiative, with over 65 programs across the MERA region, demonstrates its commitment to corporate social responsibility. These programs range from educational initiatives to environmental conservation.
Focus on Oncology and Future Prospects
Pfizer’s recent acquisition of Seagen, a global biotech company, represents a strategic shift towards oncology, noted the company. With cancer being a leading cause of death worldwide, this acquisition has enhanced Pfizer’s oncology portfolio, which now includes over 50 programs in development.
The company has dedicated 40% of its total Research and Development investments to oncology, with the aim of maximizing the accessibility of cancer treatments. Yasser El Dershaby, Vice President and Regional Medical Lead at Pfizer MERA, highlighted the success of the CROWN trial, which showed promising results for Lorlatinib in treating ALK-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
“As we embark on a new chapter, we look forward to driving even more innovations in the pharmaceutical industry to benefit more people across the region and beyond,” he said.
Looking ahead, Pfizer plans to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance patient outcomes, expand its oncology offerings, and increase vaccine accessibility. The company said it aims to launch 35 new products across MERA in 2024 and remains committed to improving patient care through various access programs and partnerships.
