Dr Reddy’s Sued by Pfizer over cholesterol Drug “Lipitor”

It’s not a new thing that American Pharma Companies sue their Indian Counterparts. In a recent development Pharma sectors most reputed brand Pfizer has sued India's Dr Reddy's Laboratories in federal court in Wilmington, Delaware over a proposed generic variant of the best-selling cholesterol drug 'Lipitor'.

As per our sources Dr Reddy's had earlier notified Pfizer in Oct 2009 that it was looking for US FDA nod for Lipitor's generic variant. The last-to-expire copyright covering the drug has pediatric exclusivity until January 2017.

Pfizer acknowledged Reddy's Oct ANDA filing in its third quarter report. Dr. Reddy's issued a statement saying "Given that this action stays approval of our ANDA until the case is resolved; it is not surprising that Pfizer has sued us. We are, however, confident of our position and are working to resolve the matter as quickly as possible."

Lipitor is however one of the best selling brands under Pfizer’s umbrella. Earlier also similar efforts by Ranbaxy to launch a generic version were foiled. But, unfortunately the company has witnessed a fall in Lipitor's sales.

There has been a 10.7% fall in Lipitor Sales when compared from Previous Year
Pfizer lawyers took the stand in the federal Court stating "Pfizer will be irreparably harmed if Dr Reddy's is allowed to sell the drug in the US market,"