Merger with AstraZeneca will create a scientific “powerhouse,” says Pfizer

Concerns among scientists about a possible takeover of AstraZeneca by the giant US drug company Pfizer will be dealt with, MPs have been told.

Pfizer representatives, appearing before the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee on 14 May, said that the company wanted to convince the scientific professions and the United Kingdom that a merger of the two companies would create a “powerhouse” of science for the benefit of patients.

The MPs, holding an inquiry into the possible AstraZeneca takeover,1 said that UK scientific organisations had expressed concern about the possible bid and asked whether Pfizer had held any discussions with them.

Mikael Dolsten, president for worldwide research and development at Pfizer, …