(NYSE: PFE) is the largest research-based pharmaceuticals corporation in the world. Founded in 1849 by cousins Charles Pfizer and Charles Erhart, the company is dedicated to discovering and developing new, and better, ways to prevent and treat disease and improve health and well being for people around the world. In fact, the following is Pfizer's mission statement: "We will become the world's most valued company to patients, customers, colleagues, investors, business partners, and the communities where we work and live." Although Pfizer's corporate headquarters is located in New York, USA with their main research headquarters in Connecticut, USA, Pfizer's products reach over five billion people in more than seventy different countries.
Pfizer discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets many 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. The company markets its pharmaceuticals directly to health care providers and patients; most of its sales are conducted through wholesalers including McKesson and Cardinal Health. Ranking number one in both prescription pharmaceutical and animal health products sales, Pfizer is recognized as being one of the strongest performing pharmaceutical companies in terms of sales, revenue growth, acquisitions, breadth of portfolio, product launches, and pipeline developments. Pfizer's prominence is due to the company having nine blockbuster products, seven market leaders and strong products in all the major therapeutic categories.
One of those blockbuster products is a drug called Lipitor, which remains the world's best-selling pharmaceutical prescribed to treat elevated LDL ("bad") cholesterol and triglycerides. Other key products include the human pain medications Celebrex and Lyrica, as well as the high blood pressure medication Norvasc.
