Exhibit 99




|For immediate release: | Contact: Mariann Caprino
|---------------------- | ------------------------
|December 31, 2004      | (212) 733-4554          



**FDA APPROVES PFIZER’S LYRICATM FOR THE TREATMENT
  OF
  THE TWO MOST COMMON FORMS OF NEUROPATHIC (NERVE) PAIN**

NEW YORK, December 31, 2004 - Pfizer Inc said today that it has received approval
  from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market LyricaTM (pregabalin
  capsules) for the management of neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral
  neuropathy (DPN) and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Lyrica is the first FDA-approved
  treatment for both of these neuropathic pain states, which are distinctly different
  from arthritis or musculoskeletal pain.

Developed by Pfizer, Lyrica has a newly defined mechanism of action. Lyrica
  will be available to physicians and patients in the near future.

“Lyrica is an important new therapy for millions of people suffering
  from the two most common neuropathic pain conditions as it provides rapid and
  sustained pain relief,” said Dr. Joseph Feczko, president of Worldwide
  Development at Pfizer. “Lyrica also represents a major achievement in
  Pfizer’s research program and confirms our leadership in bringing life-changing
  medicines to patients.”

Neuropathic pain, one of the most debilitating forms of pain, is caused by
  nerve damage that can result from underlying conditions, such as diabetes or
  shingles. Nearly half of the 18 million Americans with diabetes will develop
  some form of diabetic neuropathy over the course of their disease and about
  one in six diabetes patients will experience painful diabetic neuropathy. The
  pain of DPN is often described as burning, tingling, sharp, stabbing, or pins
  and needles in the feet, legs, hands or arms.

PHN is a complication of shingles, a painful outbreak of rash or blisters on
  the skin caused by a reactivation of the same virus that causes chicken pox.
  Each year, about 150,000 Americans develop PHN, which is often characterized
  as constant stabbing, burning, or electric shock-like sensation.

The efficacy of Lyrica was established in six double-blind, placebo-controlled
  trials, three involving patients with DPN and three involving patients with
  PHN. Lyrica provided rapid and clinically meaningful pain reduction in a significant
  portion of patients, with pain relief beginning as early as the first week of
  treatment in some patients. Pain relief was sustained in studies of up to 12-weeks
  duration.

The safety of Lyrica was established in over 9,000 patients. In all clinical
  trials, adverse events were mild to moderate. The most common side effects associated
  with Lyrica compared with placebo included dizziness, somnolence, dry mouth,
  peripheral edema, blurred vision, weight gain and difficulty with concentration/attention.
  The discontinuation rate due to side effects was low.

Lyrica is expected to be classified as a controlled substance in a category
  with lower potential for misuse or abuse relative to controlled substances in
  other categories.

Lyrica is currently under review by the FDA for the adjunctive treatment of
  partial seizures in adults. In July, Pfizer received European Commission approval
  to market Lyrica in European Union member states for the treatment of peripheral
  neuropathic pain and as adjunctive therapy for partial seizures.

# # # # #

*DISCLOSURE NOTICE: The information contained in this release is as of December
  31, 2004. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements
  contained in this release as a result of new information or future events or
  developments.*

*This release contains forward-looking information about Lyrica that involves
  substantial risks and uncertainties. Such risks and uncertainties include, among
  other things, the controlled substance category in which Lyrica is classified,
  and the speed with which the product launch may be achieved, including the potential
  for difficulties or delays in manufacturing and marketing. A further list and
  description of risks and uncertainties can be found in the Company's Annual
  Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 and in its reports
  on Forms 10-Q and 8-K.*