(BUSINESS WIRE)--Stemgent, Inc. and Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) today announced a collaboration and research licensing agreement that will lead to certain research reagents developed or discovered by Pfizer being made available to the global research community through Stemgent. Stemgent provides research tools and services to institutions, companies and universities in advancing in vitro and in vivo non-human stem cell research.

According to the agreement, scientists involved in cell-based research will now be able to purchase fully licensed compounds with pharmaceutical modes of action as off-the-shelf products for use in non-clinical experiments. It is hoped that along with other Stemgent offerings, the materials will greatly benefit scientists working in a diverse range of stem cell and cell-based applications, including neuroscience, cancer and metabolic disease.

As part of the agreement, Pfizer and Stemgent will form a joint research committee to review and evaluate the collaboration’s progress, coordinate results publication, monitor information and materials exchange between the two parties, nominate compounds and provide guidance relating to research tools for use in stem cell research.

"We are pleased to form this partnership with Stemgent," said Ruth McKernan, Ph.D., chief scientific officer of Pfizer Regenerative Medicine. Dr. McKernan will also join Stemgent’s scientific advisory board. “We applaud the efforts Stemgent has made in bringing important research tools to the stem cell community. We all need research tools such as the molecules Stemgent can offer to dissect the pathways involved in stem cell biology and to advance our understanding of the science. I am delighted to join other industry and academic leaders on Stemgent’s Scientific Advisory Board.”

Commenting on the collaboration, Ian Ratcliffe, President and Chief Executive Officer of Stemgent, said, “This is an important step for the scientific community as it increases our potential small molecule product offerings at a time when stem cell research gathers momentum and size around the world. We are especially pleased to have Dr. McKernan on our SAB; her experience and intellect bring tremendous value to our already globally respected group of scientific advisors.”

About Pfizer Inc: Working together for a healthier world™

At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to improve health and well-being at every stage of life. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacturing of medicines for people and animals. Our diversified global health care portfolio includes human and animal biologic and small molecule medicines and vaccines, as well as nutritional products and many of the world’s best-known consumer products. For more than 150 years, Pfizer has worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. To learn more about our commitments, please visit us at www.pfizer.com.

About Stemgent

Stemgent advances stem cell science by providing proprietary reagents and tools developed by some of the world's leading stem cell scientists. Stemgent’s product offering has been specifically optimized for and screened against stem cells, and includes small molecules for pluripotency, self-renewal, and differentiation, viral-delivered transcription factors, matrices, cell lines, cytokines, antibodies, transfection reagents, and more. This unique product mix is designed to serve researchers who study stem cell biology and regenerative medicine, and those who use cells derived from stem cells as tools to advance their understanding of major diseases. With dual science facilities in Boston, Massachusetts, and San Diego, California, Stemgent is well positioned to serve these major research markets. For more information on Stemgent, please visit: http://www.stemgent.com.

PFIZER DISCLOSURE NOTICE: The information contained in this release is as of April 15, 2010.Pfizer assumes no obligation to updateforward-looking statements contained in this release as the result of new information or future events or developments.

This release contains forward-looking information about the potential benefits of a collaboration and research licensing agreement entered into by Pfizer and Stemgent that involves substantial risks and uncertainties.A description of risks and uncertainties can be found in Pfizer’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 and in its reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K.

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