Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) is a multinational biopharmaceutical company headquartered in New York City. Founded in 1849 by Charles Pfizer and Charles Erhart, the company researches, develops, manufactures and commercializes a broad range of medicines and vaccines for human health. Its activities span discovery research, clinical development, regulatory affairs, manufacturing and global commercial distribution across multiple therapeutic areas.
Pfizer’s portfolio and pipeline cover oncology, immunology, cardiology, endocrinology, rare diseases, hospital acute care and anti-infectives, along with a substantial vaccine business. Notable products historically and in recent years have included established brands such as Lipitor and Viagra, specialty therapies like Xeljanz and Eliquis (developed and marketed in collaboration with Bristol-Myers Squibb), and vaccines including Prevnar. More recently, Pfizer partnered with BioNTech to develop the Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine and developed the oral antiviral Paxlovid, reflecting the company’s capabilities across both biologics and small-molecule therapeutics.
Pfizer operates globally with research, manufacturing and commercial operations across North America, Europe, Asia and other regions, serving patients and healthcare systems worldwide. Its growth has been shaped by a series of strategic transactions and partnerships over decades, including major acquisitions that expanded its therapeutic breadth and capabilities. The company emphasizes external collaborations, in-licensing and acquisitions alongside internal R&D to build and sustain its product pipeline.
Leadership and organizational strategy center on sustained investment in research and development, regulatory engagement and global commercial execution. As a large, diversified biopharma, Pfizer balances near-term product commercialization with longer-term innovation efforts aimed at advancing new therapies and vaccines through clinical development and into clinical practice.