Germany's Schering Divests Thrombosis Rights to Pfizer

German drug producer Schering AG has sold the development and marketing rights on its ADP-receptor agonist programme to US drug major Pfizer. The study has a portfolio of thrombosis compounds focused on developing oral anti-platelet agents, and under the deal Schering will receive undisclosed up-front fees, milestone payments and royalties from Pfizer. Although the programme is not expected to lead to a new drug approval until 2010, the move is seen as positive for Schering, which is shifting its development activities away from non-core segments such as cardiovascular health.