Interview: Poonam Chawla
Edited: Ayesha Rashid
Pfizer’s commitment to advancing healthcare through cutting-edge technology and innovative therapies remains steadfast, poised to redefine the future of global health for generations to come
Since its founding in 1849 by Charles Pfizer and Charles Erha, Pfizer has been a stalwart in advancing medicine and technology, shaping global health for 175 years.
Throughout its history, Pfizer has pioneered transformative advancements that have touched the lives of millions worldwide.
As Pfizer commemorates its anniversary in 2024, it celebrates a legacy of ground breaking achievements while looking forward with optimism and determination.
With a renewed focus on oncology and on going commitment to innovation, Pfizer remains dedicated to discovering new treatments and medications that improve patient outcomes across a spectrum of diseases and conditions.
Guided by a team of passionate scientists and suppor ted by a workforce of nearly 80,000, Pfizer continues to drive medical progress, delivering over 300 medicines that make a tangible difference in patients’ lives every day.
As Pfizer looks ahead, its commitment to advancing healthcare through cutting-edge technology and innovative therapies remains steadfast, poised to redene the future of global health for generations to come.
Pfizer’s Regional President for the Middle East, Russia, and Africa (MERA), Patrick van der Loo, underscores the company’s steadfast dedication to advancing healthcare through innovative medicines, vaccines, and supply chain solutions in this interview.
He discusses Pfizer’s pivotal role in addressing regional healthcare challenges, enhancing local infrastructure, and fostering professional development across diverse communities.
Patrick van der Loo highlights Pfizer’s commitment to driving medical progress and improving patient outcomes throughout the MENA region, reecting on the company’s enduring legacy of innovation and its vision for the future of global health.
Looking back on Pfizer’s 175 years of history, what stands out to you as the company’s most significant milestone or achievement?
Reflecting on Pfizer’s 175-year history, it’s challenging to pinpoint just one achievement. However, several milestones stand out as pivotal moments for the company.
First, the mass fermentation of penicillin during World War II stands as a critical breakthrough that saved countless lives and laid the foundation for Pfizer’s future.
Second, our contributions to breast cancer treatments and recent advancements in lung cancer therapies represent significant strides in oncology.
Third, our pioneering work in developing the first mass-produced mRNA vaccine during the pandemic marks a historic achievement in public health.
Lastly, our commitment to improving access to healthcare for underserved communities globally underscores our broader impact beyond product successes.
These achievements collectively define Pfizer’s legacy of innovation and societal contribution over the years.
What are some of the most pressing healthcare challenges specific to the region that Pfizer is actively addressing?
The healthcare challenges in our region are diverse.
Firstly, there’s a higher prevalence of certain diseases and conditions compared to other parts of the world, including infectious diseases and specific variants of cancers unique to this region.
Additionally, the socioeconomic disparity across countries here—from some of the wealthiest to the least developed—affects how healthcare and medicines are accessed and delivered.
These complexities underscore the need for tailored healthcare solutions that address varying health needs and economic conditions across different nations in the region.
How does Pfizer contribute to enhancing local healthcare infrastruc ture and fostering professional development in the region?
We play several pivotal roles in the region. Firstly, ensuring access to medicines through patient access programs, which currently support over 15,000 patients across more than 30 programs in the MENA region. Additionally, through our “For a Healthier World” initiative, we make medicines available to low-income countries at cost-plus distribution, operating on a non-profit basis.
Another critical aspect of our contribution is providing medical education to physicians in underserved regions, bridging the gap with higher-income countries. Lastly, we engage in public-private partnerships, such as our collaboration with Higher Karema in Egypt, beneting 4,500 underserved communities through educational initiatives. These efforts extend to high-income countries as well, where we provide specialized training for advanced genomic conditions.
What vision do you have for the MENA region?
My vision for the MENA region is to position it as a leader in Pfizer’s global innovation efforts.
This includes enhancing access to novel medicines and fostering a vibrant healthcare community capable of conducting robust research and development tailored to the region’s specific healthcare challenges, which differ from those in Europe and North America.
Since its founding in 1849 by Charles Pfizer and Charles Erha, Pfizer has been a stalwart in advancing medicine and technology, shaping global health for 175 years.
Throughout its history, Pfizer has pioneered transformative advancements that have touched the lives of millions worldwide.
As Pfizer commemorates its anniversary in 2024, it celebrates a legacy of ground breaking achievements while looking forward with optimism and determination.
With a renewed focus on oncology and on going commitment to innovation, Pfizer remains dedicated to discovering new treatments and medications that improve patient outcomes across a spectrum of diseases and conditions.
Guided by a team of passionate scientists and suppor ted by a workforce of nearly 80,000, Pfizer continues to drive medical progress, delivering over 300 medicines that make a tangible difference in patients’ lives every day.
As Pfizer looks ahead, its commitment to advancing healthcare through cutting-edge technology and innovative therapies remains steadfast, poised to redene the future of global health for generations to come.
Pfizer’s Regional President for the Middle East, Russia, and Africa (MERA), Patrick van der Loo, underscores the company’s steadfast dedication to advancing healthcare through innovative medicines, vaccines, and supply chain solutions in this interview.
He discusses Pfizer’s pivotal role in addressing regional healthcare challenges, enhancing local infrastructure, and fostering professional development across diverse communities.
Patrick van der Loo highlights Pfizer’s commitment to driving medical progress and improving patient outcomes throughout the MENA region, reecting on the company’s enduring legacy of innovation and its vision for the future of global health.
Looking back on Pfizer’s 175 years of history, what stands out to you as the company’s most significant milestone or achievement?
Reflecting on Pfizer’s 175-year history, it’s challenging to pinpoint just one achievement. However, several milestones stand out as pivotal moments for the company.
First, the mass fermentation of penicillin during World War II stands as a critical breakthrough that saved countless lives and laid the foundation for Pfizer’s future.
Second, our contributions to breast cancer treatments and recent advancements in lung cancer therapies represent significant strides in oncology.
Third, our pioneering work in developing the first mass-produced mRNA vaccine during the pandemic marks a historic achievement in public health.
Lastly, our commitment to improving access to healthcare for underserved communities globally underscores our broader impact beyond product successes.
These achievements collectively define Pfizer’s legacy of innovation and societal contribution over the years.
What are some of the most pressing healthcare challenges specific to the region that Pfizer is actively addressing?
The healthcare challenges in our region are diverse.
Firstly, there’s a higher prevalence of certain diseases and conditions compared to other parts of the world, including infectious diseases and specific variants of cancers unique to this region.
Additionally, the socioeconomic disparity across countries here—from some of the wealthiest to the least developed—affects how healthcare and medicines are accessed and delivered.
These complexities underscore the need for tailored healthcare solutions that address varying health needs and economic conditions across different nations in the region.
How does Pfizer contribute to enhancing local healthcare infrastruc ture and fostering professional development in the region?
We play several pivotal roles in the region. Firstly, ensuring access to medicines through patient access programs, which currently support over 15,000 patients across more than 30 programs in the MENA region. Additionally, through our “For a Healthier World” initiative, we make medicines available to low-income countries at cost-plus distribution, operating on a non-profit basis.
Another critical aspect of our contribution is providing medical education to physicians in underserved regions, bridging the gap with higher-income countries. Lastly, we engage in public-private partnerships, such as our collaboration with Higher Karema in Egypt, beneting 4,500 underserved communities through educational initiatives. These efforts extend to high-income countries as well, where we provide specialized training for advanced genomic conditions.
What vision do you have for the MENA region?
My vision for the MENA region is to position it as a leader in Pfizer’s global innovation efforts.
This includes enhancing access to novel medicines and fostering a vibrant healthcare community capable of conducting robust research and development tailored to the region’s specific healthcare challenges, which differ from those in Europe and North America. 
