Pfizer to buy scarring play Excaliard

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) will acquire scarring therapy company Excaliard Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Carlsbad, Calif.) for an undisclosed upfront payment, plus milestones. Pfizer will gain EXC 001, an antisense oligonucleotide targeting connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in Phase II testing for scarring. The pharma said the product fits with its R&D focus on treatments for fibrosis and tissue remodeling. The deal is expected to close by year end. ...