Pfizer and Amgen are sorting out responsibilities, and people,
over Enbrel, as it unwinds a North American marketing agreement. Amgen is taking on
promotion for the blockbuster anti-inflammatory drug.
Starting July 23, Amgen assumes field sales activities in the U.S. and
Puerto Rico, but not Canada, the companies told The Wall Street Journal.
Pfizer reps assigned to Enbrel may be out of work but can apply for other
Pfizer jobs or to work for Amgen promoting Enbrel, a spokeswoman says.
Pfizer is about to introduce a competing drug, tofacitinib. The FDA is
reviewing Pfizer's application to market tofacitinib to treat rheumatoid
arthritis, with a decision expected in August.
"The unified Amgen sales force allows Amgen and Pfizer to ensure
continuity in customer service during the transition time," an Amgen
spokeswoman told the WSJ.