Pfizer-New London scientists honored for HIV work

Two scientists from Pfizer Inc.'s New London research center were honored for helping bring to develop a groundbreaking HIV drug to market.

Dr. James Goodrich, former senior director of clinical development at Pfizer in New London, and Dr. Jayvant Heera, who still works at Pfizer-New London, were instrumental in marketing the HIV drug, Selzentry, according to the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA).

Goodrich recently became a vice president with ViiV Healthcare, a joint venture of Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline. ViiV currently holds the NDA for Selzentry.

Heera is Pfizer's global clinical leader for Selzentry.

Three other scientists who led the 11-year quest to develop Selzentry received the PhRMA's 2010 Discoverers Award -- its highest honor. The honorees are Tony Wood, Dr. Elna van der Ryst, and Manos Perros.