Indian drug manufacturer Dr Reddy’s Laboratories will contest a new patent infringement lawsuit filed by Pfizer over its cholesterol medication atorvastatin.
Pfizer and Dr Reddy’s are currently involved in patent infringement cases over 10mg, 20mg and 40mg strengths of the medication, sold by Pfizer under the Lipitor brand.
US-based pharmaceutical major Pfizer filed the fresh case with the US District Court for the District of Delaware on 27 December 2010, following an abbreviated new drug application by Dr Reddy’s with the US Food and Drug Administration, seeking approval to market an 80mg dose of atorvastatin calcium.
Pfizer’s patent on Lipitor, regarded as the world’s best-selling drug and responsible for $12bn in annual sales, expires in July 2016 and has paediatric exclusivity through Janaury 2017.
