Pfizer has appointed prominent academic Dr Morris Birnbaum as chief scientific officer for its research into cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
Dr Birnbaum most recently served as Willard Ware professor of diabetes and metabolic diseases and associate dean for biomedical core resources at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.
In his academic career he has authored more than 200 scientific papers and has built an expertise in intracellular metabolism – a key component to understanding diabetes and its relationship to cardiovascular disease.
“His scientific credentials and knowledge will help Pfizer pursue our goals to achieve industry leadership from the strong position that we currently hold, and to deliver unique therapies for patients,” said Dr Rod MacKenzie, group senior VP and head of PharmaTherapeutics R&D.
Pfizer’s interests in the area include a collaboration with Merck & Co on the sodium glucose co-transporter (SGLT2) inhibitor ertugliflozin to treat diabetes. The company is also developing bococizumab for hypercholesterolemia.