Pfizer Inc. announced the discontinuation of a Phase 3 randomized, open-label, two-arm study (B1931008) evaluating the safety and efficacy of the investigational compound inotuzumab ozogamicin in patients with relapsed or refractory CD22+ aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) who are not candidates for intensive high-dose chemotherapy. In this study, inotuzumab ozogamicin was administered on a once-a-month schedule in combination with rituximab and compared with an active comparator arm (investigator's choice of bendamustine plus rituximab or gemcitabine plus rituximab). During a scheduled interim analysis, an independent Data Monitoring Committee (DMC) concluded that in this study treatment with inotuzumab ozogamicin plus rituximab would not meet the primary objective of improving overall survival (OS) when compared to the comparator arm. No new or unexpected safety issues were identified. Pfizer has notified the study investigators and appropriate regulatory authorities of the decision to discontinue the study. Investigators will work with patients in the study on an individual basis to determine an appropriate course of action. Inotuzumab ozogamicin, administered on a weekly basis, 3 weeks out of 4, continues to be evaluated in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The INO-VATE ALL Study (B1931022) is an open-label, randomized, Phase 3 study of inotuzumab ozogamicin compared to a defined investigator's choice of chemotherapy in adult patients with relapsed or refractory CD22+ ALL. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is one of the most commonly occurring hematologic cancers among adults. In 2008, there were approximately 355,900 new cases of NHL worldwide, and approximately 191,400 related deaths. Indolent lymphomas, such as follicular lymphoma, show a high level of relapse, as treatment with chemotherapy alone has not yet resulted in an improvement in OS. Similarly, in aggressive disease, standard of care treatment achieves long-term remission in less than half of NHL cases, demonstrating an unmet need for both newly diagnosed and relapsed patients.

Pfizer Inc. announced that it plans to close one of its manufacturing plants in Cork, with the loss of 136 jobs. The site at Little Island will be shut before the end of next year. This announcement will see manufacturing moving from Little Island to the company's other site in Ringaskiddy.

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) said it plans to withdraw from the Cork plant at Little Island over the next 18 months and called a meeting of staff to tell them the facility will be sold. Pfizer hopes that some of the jobs will be saved if the plant can be sold.