Pfizer announces patent confirmation

The US Patent & Trademark Office is set to confirm the patentability of a basic patent for Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium), Pfizer reported this week.

According to the pharmaceutical firm, Pfizer received a communication from the office, which detailed plans to confirm the patentability of the drug following a re-examination of the patent request.

The company stated it was pleased with the decision as it affirms its position that the original patent was granted property. The current patent for Lipitor expires in March 2010, including paediatric exclusivity.

Lipitor is a tablet designed to lower bad cholesterol levels. Pfizer has reported that in clinical studies, the drug was found to lower cholesterol levels between 39 per cent and 60 per cent and was found to be more effective than Zocor (simvastatin).

Pfizer has been operating in the UK for the past 50 years and currently employs more than 4,000 British staff.

One of its four major global research and development sites is located in Sandwich, Kent.