Pfizer, Kano State Reach Settlement Of Trovan Cases

Settlement Ends All State Cases Over 1996 Clinical Study
NEW YORK--(Business Wire)--
Pfizer Inc today announced it has reached agreement with the Kano State
government in Nigeria to settle Kano State`s claims arising from the 1996 Trovan
clinical study, which was conducted during Nigeria`s worst meningitis epidemic
in history. Under the terms of the settlement, Kano State will dismiss both the
civil and criminal Trovan-related cases it filed against the company and various
individuals, and Pfizer specifically denies any wrongdoing or liability in
connection with the 1996 study. The company has said all along that the 1996
study was conducted with the approval of the Nigerian government and the consent
of the participants` parents or guardians, and was consistent with Nigerian
laws.

"We have been a partner with the people and governments of Nigeria for more than
50 years. The company believes that a mutually agreeable resolution to the
Trovan cases is the best way to continue that relationship and allow Pfizer and
the Nigerian governments to focus on what matters - improving healthcare for all
Nigerians," said Pfizer Senior Vice President and Associate General Counsel Brad
Lerman.

Under the terms of the settlement with Kano State, Pfizer has agreed to: (1)
establish a Healthcare/Meningitis Fund from which study participants can receive
financial support; (2) underwrite several healthcare initiatives chosen by the
Kano State government that benefit the people of Kano State, totaling US$30
million over a period of two years; and (3) reimburse Kano State for US$10
million in legal costs associated with the litigation. The Healthcare/Meningitis
Fund will be available to all individuals who meet the qualification criteria
necessary to verify their participation in the 1996 Trovan clinical study. The
Fund will be administered by an independent six-member Board of Trustees, with
three members each chosen by Pfizer and the Kano State government. The Board
will make the final determinations on eligibility and levels of financial
support. The maximum amount that could be disbursed by the Fund is US$35
million, but the final amount will depend on the total number of valid claims
submitted.

Kano State and Pfizer will name a separate six-member board to oversee the $30
million allocated to support health initiatives designated by Kano State.

"We are especially pleased that the benefits of this settlement will be directed
first and foremost to those who contracted meningitis in 1996 and also
participated in the clinical study at that time," Mr. Lerman said. "With the
procedures in place for the Healthcare/Meningitis Fund, the people of Nigeria
will have confidence that the parties have taken strong steps to ensure that the
funds reach only those for whom they are intended."

The settlement`s healthcare initiatives build on Pfizer`s work in Nigeria for
more than 50 years. In August 1957, Pfizer became the first U.S. pharmaceutical
company to establish operations in Nigeria. Since that time, the company has
contributed to the well-being of Nigerians by providing quality medicines,
creating jobs, developing local expertise, and bringing foreign investment and
innovative healthcare solutions to the country. Nigeria is a part of Pfizer`s
presence in Africa, and the company looks forward to its continued health
partnership with the governments and people of Nigeria.

Today, the company participates in and supports several initiatives in
partnership with the government, the private health sector and nongovernmental
organizations that benefit the health of the Nigerian people and the country`s
healthcare system. For instance, Pfizer routinely conducts disease awareness
campaigns through public education programs. Pfizer also invests in developing
local health expertise through health education and good clinical practice
workshops. Lastly, Pfizer is working in partnership with the Nigerian National
Agency for Food and Drug Administration to prevent the entry of counterfeit
drugs in Nigeria by improving regulations and strengthening judicial
enforcement.

The cerebrospinal meningitis epidemic that struck Nigeria in 1996 took at least
12,000 lives over a six-month period, and affected more than 100,000 people. The
results of Pfizer`s clinical study showed that Trovan helped save lives and was
at least as effective as the best treatment available at Kano`s Infectious
Disease Hospital.

Pfizer Inc: Working together for a healthier world

Founded in 1849, Pfizer is the world's premier biopharmaceutical company taking
new approaches to better health. We discover, develop, manufacture and deliver
quality, safe and effective prescription medicines to treat and help prevent
disease for both people and animals. We also partner with healthcare providers,
governments and local communities around the world to expand access to our
medicines and to provide better quality health care and health system support.
At Pfizer, colleagues in more than 90 countries work every day to help people
stay happier and healthier longer and to reduce the human and economic burden of
disease worldwide.

Pfizer
Media:
Chris Loder, 212-733-7897
or
Investors:
Suzanne Harnett, 212-733-8009

Copyright Business Wire 2009