Managing Directors of Pfizer questioned

The decision by Pfizer to quit the research site where Viagra was discovered was a major setback for Britain, which has a long history as a centre of drug development.

Sandwich, which belongs to is the largest R&D facility in Europe and the largest R&D site of any foreign-owned drugmaker.

Andrew Miller, chairman of the Science and Technology Committee, said it had "urgent questions to put to Pfizer and the government, and I look forward to the evidence sessions."

Pfizer, which is exiting Sandwich as part of a global drive to rationalise its research, has said the majority of staff will be made redundant, although some might find work at other sites belonging to Pfizer.

Researchers at the Sandwich site, which resembles a university campus, have been responsible for discovering several high-profile Pfizer products, including heart drug Norvasc and HIV/AIDS medicine Celsentri, as well as Viagra.

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