Date:14/02/2007 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/02/14/stories/2007021403130300.htm

Ranbaxy launches generic Lipitor in Denmark

Our Bureau

Despite Pfizer's patent challenge

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New Delhi Feb. 13 With the launch of its cholesterol lowering drug, atorvastatin, in Denmark, Ranbaxy Laboratories is introducing its generic version of Pfizer's Lipitor to the West.

This launch is despite Pfizer fighting patent challenges against Ranbaxy in more than 17 countries, including the US, and is awaiting a ruling later this month with regards to a preliminary injunction sought against Ranbaxy.

`At-risk' launch

The company is reported to be considering all its legal options after Ranbaxy's `at-risk' launch.

According to analysts, Denmark being a small market, could serve Ranbaxy as a test market without great risks attached. In case the injunction is not in its favour, it will be liable to pay Pfizer a financial penalty. Favourable verdicts in Norway and recent ones in Australian and Canadian courts may have boosted Ranbaxy's confidence, believe analysts.

"The introduction of atorvastatin in Denmark is a significant milestone in Ranbaxy's atorvastatin strategy and heralds the beginning of the company's determined efforts to bring affordable atorvastatin to patients in Europe and other parts of the world," said Mr Malvinder Mohan Singh, CEO & Managing Director, Ranbaxy, in an official press statement.

However last August, a US Court of Appeals had found Ranbaxy's product infringing one of Pfizer's two key patents, while invalidating another of Pfizer's patents. The US market for atorvastatin is estimated at $8.3 billion.

Pfizer's worldwide pharmaceutical revenues for 2006 were at $45.1 billion, of which Lipitor's sales alone totalled nearly $13 billion.