Pfizer licenses CD228 drug candidate to Medicus

Pfizer has signed a co-development and licensing agreement with Medicus Pharma for an early clinical-stage antibody-drug conjugate targeting CD228. The deal was highlighted following Pfizer's appearance at the Morgan Stanley Global Healthcare Conference on 14 September 2026.

Under the terms of the agreement, Medicus Pharma receives exclusive global rights to develop and commercialize the CD228V candidate across multiple human disease areas. Medicus will manage day-to-day development and commercialization operations.

Pfizer maintains ongoing involvement in the CD228V development program and keeps patent rights. The company retains economic participation through potential financial milestones and royalties, while limiting its upfront spending on early-stage clinical work.

The drugmaker, which holds a market value of about $158.0 billion, will also retain an option to fund later-stage development when Medicus advances CD228V toward a first pivotal clinical trial.