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Pfizer and Ranbaxy charged with conspiracy to delay Lipitor generic

By  |  July 9, 2012

Walgreen, Kroger, Safeway, SuperValu, and HEB have sued Pfizer and Ranbaxy, accusing the drug manufacturers of conspiring to delay generic versions of Lipitor (atorvastatin). Pfizer markets Lipitor and Ranbaxy manufactures the generic version.

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    The conspiracy allegedy called for a fraudulent patent, sham litigation, a pay-for-delay agreement, and agreements with pharmacy benefit managers requiring them to buy more Lipitor. The retailers claim that these actions kept Lipitor off the market 20 months past the expiration of the original patent.

    Lipitor is used to lower cholesterol. It is the best-selling drug in pharmaceutical history.

    Full content: Reuters

     

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