The mammoth Pfizer Drug company plans to open a research and development center in Israel, probably in the Galilee. Company officials recently talked with Industry, Trade and Labor Minister Eli Yishai (Shas) about the project, which is expected to be built by the end of next year.

The government wants to establish a biotech center in Israel, where the home-based Teva Pharmaceutical Company operates a research and development center. Pfizer produces brand name drugs, while Teva makes generic drugs.