Streaming Quotes:
Metals
|
Softs
|
Meats
|
Energies
|
Financials
|
Grains
|
Currencies
|
Indices
     

Market News

Company News

Futures Brokers

  

INTERVIEW-Pfizer begins work on drugs to treat autism

2009-07-10 18:26:11 GMT (Reuters)
0
votes
 
View Comments (0)
Previous News | Next News
Text Size
Print
Email
Add a Comment

By Toni Clarke

BOSTON, July 10 (Reuters) - Pfizer Inc, the world's largest drugmaker, has begun developing treatments for autism, its head of research and development said on Friday.

The company has formed a new, 14-member research group, called the Autism Spectrum Disorders unit, that is based in Groton, Connecticut.

"We've always been interested in this area but we didn't have the targets," said Martin Mackay, Pfizer's president of global research and development, in an interview. "Now we do."

Drug targets are typically proteins linked with a disease, and while Mackay declined to identify the targets for competitive reasons, he said the research is still at a very early stage.

Autism is typically diagnosed in childhood and is characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication and a tendency towards unusual interests or behaviors.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism is the second most serious developmental disability after mental retardation. Studies have shown it affects between two and seven children in 1,000.

The unit, which was created in January by three Pfizer employees who have been personally touched by the condition, is part of Pfizer's neuroscience division. (Reporting by Toni Clarke, editing by Gerald E. McCormick)

Content Provided by
Reuters
Reuters
Reuters is the largest international news agency -- providing professionals around the world with stories that move the markets.

Disclaimer:
(c) Reuters 2008. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by caching, framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters and the Reuters sphere logo are registered trademarks and trademarks of the Reuters group of companies around the world.

  • Comments


Add a Comment
Title:
Your Opinion:

  • Webmaster Tools
Economic Calendar
Interest Rates
RSS
Live Currency Cross Rates
Exchange Rates Table
 
  • Survey

How often do you use the economic calendar?

Every time there's an event
Once a Day
Once, twice a week
I barely use it
Economic Calendar? What's that?

  • Sponsored Links

  • Choose from thousands of proven systems. Check performance and build your portfolio. Sign up today and get a FREE practice account!

  • Let expert trading strategies work for you! Chose the top performing system you want and start making great returns. It's free!
 
 

Special Offers: