Pfizer In The Animal Health Industry Essay

, Research Paper

Pfizer entered the animal health industry in the early 1950 s. Today, Pfizer Animal Health products are sold to veterinarians, livestock producers, and horse and pet owners in more than 140 countries around the world and used in more than 30 species. Pfizer Animal Health is committed to providing high-quality, research-based health products for livestock and companion animals. The company continues to invest more in research and development than any other animal health company. This offers opportunities for substantial growth and internal synergy. Pfizer has more new animal health products in its research pipeline today than at any other time in its history. Their products include anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious, and anti-parasitic pharmaceutical medicines, vaccines and feed additives. These products are used by cattle, swine, and poultry industries, as well as, veterinarians serving both the livestock and pet markets. The animal health segment of Pfizer accounts for approximately 10% of their total revenues. (Note Appendix: ) Pfizer Animal Health revenues were $1,314 million in 1998. Some of Pfizer s top selling animal health products are Rimadyl, Anipryl, Dectomax, and RespiSure.( Appendix: Pg 26 AR)

The animal health segment is served in manufacturing by the 35 production plants around the world. Their products are sold through veterinarians, drug wholesalers, retail outlets, distributors, and directly to users. Animal Health gross revenues declined 1% to 1.3 billion in 1998. (Note Appendix:) This decrease is due to continuing weaknesses in the U.S. livestock market, the poor Asian economy, and the unfavorable effects of foreign exchange. This decline was offset by growth of Pfizer products; the cattle endectocide Dectomax, the canine anti-arthritic Rimadyl, and the swine vaccine RepiSure.

Pfizer is among the leading suppliers of companion animal vaccines, a $500 million market worldwide. They have over 43 animal health product candidates in clinical development. Pfizer s Animal Health markets several feed supplements for large animals. Feed supplement product sales slowed in 1998, due in part to regulatory issues, market conditions, and competitive pressures.

Pfizer s goal for both its business units is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of all their customers. They achieve this with ongoing innovation through state-of-the-art research and development, an extensive line of high quality products, world-class manufacturing capabilities, unsurpassed customer service and educational and industry support programs. Pfizer is dedicated to remaining a research based animal health organization. They have progressively increased their investment in animal health research setting a new industry standard for commitment to product development. Continuing to make new product development a priority will ensure that new drug discovery programs will be in place to fill the pipeline with products for a broad range of disease categories. Scientists are deployed in Pfizer s research centers worldwide, working side by side with researchers in human health, sharing the latest equipment, insights and breakthroughs. Customers are consulted throughout the development process to ensure that their needs are met.

As mentioned earlier, the Pfizer sales force leads the industry not just in size, but in providing personalized support and superior service. The Pfizer quality pledge includes not only products, but also all of their services and interactions with the customer. All of Pfizer s representatives are trained in immunology, pharmacology, microbiology, and the science behind each product. They are also trained and equipped to understand and add value to each customers individual business. This personalized and dependable service sets Pfizer apart from the competition.

Pfizer technical service veterinarians and nutritionists are committed to help provide solutions to animal health problems and assure effective use of Pfizer products. Each veterinarian on staff has had in-depth practical experience in small animal, equine, or food animal medicine; many have advanced training and or specialty certification. The technical service staff at Pfizer conducts educational seminars on current topics in animal health and veterinary medicine. As an added benefit, they provide emergency service should you need it.

A key factor in the success of Pfizer is their supplier s ability to deliver solutions. This means state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities that are efficient, quality-driven and customer sensitive. Pfizer s expanded manufacturing capacity ensures their products are available where and when they are needed. A network of communication systems and regional distribution centers, with high-tech order processing systems, ensure that product orders are processed accurately and on time. Pfizer believes that it is their responsibility to invest in the future of their customers. They provide resources for research and education at every veterinary college in North America to further the health and productivity of livestock and companion animals.

In addition to their marketing efforts, Pfizer supports many programs in the Animal Health industry. Cattlemen s College is an educational program developed and sponsored in conjunction with the NCBA and state cattle associations. This program consists of courses in beef pr