Pfizer to Donate Over $2 Million in Vibramycin
to Bioterrorism Defense Efforts
NEW YORK, Nov. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Pfizer Inc said today that it is
updating prescribing instructions for its antibiotic Vibramycin (doxycycline)
to highlight the drug's utility in treating inhaled anthrax. Separately, the
company said it is donating more than $2 million in Vibramycin to the nation's
emergency medical stockpile.
Discovered and developed by Pfizer, Vibramycin received FDA approval in
1967, becoming Pfizer's first once-a-day broad-spectrum antibiotic.
Vibramycin has been used primarily as a treatment for respiratory infections.
However, the original indications also included treatment of anthrax caused by
the bacterium Bacillus anthracis as an alternative therapy for patients who
were not able to take penicillin.
At the recommendation of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Pfizer has
updated the Vibramycin label to specify that the antibiotic may be used by
patients who have been exposed to inhaled anthrax. Vibramycin also is
indicated for use in patients who have been exposed to cutaneous or
gastrointestinal anthrax when bacteriologic testing indicates antibiotic
treatment is appropriate.
"We are responding to the need for public-private partnerships in the
fight against bioterrorism," said Pfizer Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Hank McKinnell. "We will continue to mobilize all relevant Pfizer resources
-- including our highly skilled scientific, medical and manufacturing
personnel -- to meet the nation's public health needs."
Pfizer's donation of Vibramycin oral suspension is directed to the
nation's emergency medical stockpile, maintained by the Department of Defense.
Pfizer is a small supplier of the tablet and capsule forms of doxycycline
(Vibramycin(R)), which is widely available from numerous generic
manufacturers.
In addition, Pfizer and the Pfizer Foundation have pledged $10 million to
local relief efforts following the World Trade Center disaster. The company,
which is headquartered in New York City, also donated medicines, health care
7products and support services and has extended offers of additional
assistance, including potential utilization of its product distribution
network.
Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets leading
prescription medicines for humans and animals and many of the world's
best-known consumer brands.
SOURCE Pfizer Inc
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CONTACT:
Mariann Caprino, +1-212-733-4554, for Pfizer
Inc
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