Pfizer Donates Bavencio Royalty Rights in Response to US Antitrust Concerns

On Tuesday, Pfizer announced its decision to donate the rights of royalties from sales of the cancer drug Bavencio to the American Association for Cancer Research. This move comes as a response to concerns raised by US antitrust regulators regarding Pfizer's proposed $43 billion acquisition of Seagen.

After receiving all necessary regulatory approvals, the deal is set to close on Thursday, nearly nine months since its initial announcement, as per Reuters.

Reorganization and Leadership Changes

Pfizer plans to establish a separate division dedicated to cancer drugs as part of its efforts to streamline operations. Additionally, the company intends to split its remaining commercial business into two divisions, one focused on the United States and the other on the rest of the world.

Chief Commercial Officer Angela Hwang will step down, allowing Aamir Malik to assume the US unit's commercial chief role. In the international unit, Alexandre de Germay will take on the position of commercial chief.

Sales and Financial Outlook

Bavencio, a vital cancer drug, generated sales amounting to $271 million for Pfizer in 2022. This acquisition of Seagen, with its targeted cancer therapies, comes at a crucial time for Pfizer. Facing the anticipated decline in COVID-related sales and the looming threat of generic competition for its top-selling drugs, Pfizer seeks to bolster its oncology portfolio and maintain its position as a leader in the pharmaceutical industry.

However, the acquisition faced scrutiny from the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) earlier this year. In July, the FTC requested more information on the deal from both parties involved, seeking to ensure compliance with antitrust laws. Despite this additional hurdle, Pfizer remains committed to moving forward with the acquisition and closing the deal as planned.

Business Times noted that Seagen, based in Washington, is recognized as a pioneer of antibody-drug conjugates. These innovative treatments function like "guided missiles," specifically designed to target and destroy cancer cells while sparing healthy cells. With this cutting-edge technology and expertise, Seagen contributes to advancing more effective and targeted cancer therapies.

Photo: Pfizer Newsroom