Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) today announces that the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, expired December 11, 2023, with respect to Pfizer’s pending acquisition of Seagen Inc. (NASDAQ: SGEN). Pfizer and Seagen have now received all required regulatory approvals to complete the acquisition. Pfizer expects to close the acquisition of Seagen on December 14, 2023, subject to the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.
To address U.S. Federal Trade Commission concerns, Pfizer has chosen to irrevocably donate the rights of royalties from sales of Bavencio® (avelumab) in the U.S. to the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). This unrestricted donation will support AACR in its mission to prevent and cure cancer through research, education, communication, collaboration, science policy, and funding for cancer research.
Changes in Commercial Organization
Pfizer also announces changes in its commercial organization to incorporate Seagen and improve focus, speed and quality of execution. Specifically, Pfizer will create an end-to-end business organization called the Pfizer Oncology Division, which will integrate certain oncology commercial and R&D operations from both companies and will be led by Dr. Chris Boshoff, who will become Chief Oncology Officer, Executive Vice President, and continue reporting to Dr. Albert Bourla, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Pfizer will split its non-oncology commercial organization into two more focused business divisions: the Pfizer U.S. Commercial Division, which will be led by Aamir Malik, who will become Chief U.S. Commercial Officer, Executive Vice President, and continue reporting to Dr. Bourla; and the Pfizer International Commercial Division, which will be led by Alexandre de Germay, who will join Pfizer as Chief International Commercial Officer, Executive Vice President, and will report to Dr. Bourla. Biographical information for Alexandre de Germay can be found here.
While these three leaders will begin transitioning to their new roles immediately after the completion of the Seagen acquisition, the new organization structure will go into effect January 1, 2024.
After a stellar nearly 27-year career at Pfizer, Angela Hwang, Chief Commercial Officer, and President, Global Biopharmaceuticals Business will be leaving Pfizer. Angela has agreed to stay on as an advisor to help transition the organization into the new model. Under Angela’s leadership, Pfizer introduced an unprecedented number of new medicines and vaccines to patients across the globe.
“The completion of all regulatory reviews in association with the Seagen acquisition supports our belief that this transaction is good for patients in the battle against cancer,” said Dr. Albert Bourla, Pfizer Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “With the anticipated Seagen closing in the coming days, Pfizer has announced changes to the company’s commercial structure designed to maximize the impact of this transaction and enhance our commercial execution across all the company’s therapeutic areas. I also want to thank Angela Hwang and celebrate her vast achievements and the unforgettable legacy she leaves behind. Angela is a purpose-driven leader, and her focus has consistently been on working to bring more breakthroughs to patients around the world.”