10th Nov 2005 07:00
Pfizer Prevails in Norwegian Lipitor Patent Challenge NEW YORK, Nov. 10 -- Pfizer Inc said today that the Oslo District Court in Norway ruled that a Pfizer patent covering an intermediate compound used to make atorvastatin, the active ingredient in Lipitor, would be infringed by the sale of Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd.'s proposed generic atorvastatin product in Norway. In response to the decision, Jeffrey B. Kindler, Pfizer's vice chairman and general counsel, said, "We are pleased with the court's decision, which is a victory not only for Pfizer, but for all innovators pursuing high-risk medical discoveries". Ranbaxy can appeal the decision, but it will not be able to market a product made using the patented intermediate compounds unless it prevails on appeal. Separately, the Court also ruled that another Pfizer patent, covering a process for converting crystalline atorvastatin to amorphous atorvastatin, is valid but not infringed by Ranbaxy in Norway. Pfizer said it will continue to vigorously defend its intellectual property rights against infringement anywhere around the globe.SOURCE Pfizer Inc 11/10/2005 /CONTACT: Bryant Haskins, of Pfizer Inc, +1-212-733-8719/ /Photo: A free corporate logo to accompany this story is available immediately via Wieck Photo Database to any media with telephoto receiver or electronic darkroom, PC or Macintosh, that can accept overhead transmissions. To retrieve a logo, please call 972-392-0888./ /Web site: http://www.pfizer.com / (PFE) ENDPFIZER INCRelated Shares:
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