Court ruling gives lift to SK Viagra copies
Source: Agencies |
June 2, 2012, Saturday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
SOUTH Korean pharmaceutical firms are rushing out generic Viagra copies with names like "Nurigra" and "Happigra" to tap into the erectile dysfunction drug market, now that a court has ruled in their favor.
Pfizer's patent on active ingredient sildenafil expired on May 17, and six companies have since released prescription-only generic versions.
A court this week ruled against Pfizer's claim that a "use patent" barred generic copies from being sold as erectile dysfunction treatments.
Pfizer Korea said it was "considering options for appeal" and its use patent remains valid until the result of that appeal in announced.
But more pharmaceutical companies are expected to release versions, according to patent regulator the Korean Intellectual Property Office.
"In an aging society, people are looking to improve their quality of life," said Shin Seoung-pill, a PR representative for CJ Cheiljedang, one of the companies to release a copy.
As of Thursday, 19 pharmaceutical firms had received approval for 37 generic Viagra copies from the Korea Food and Drug Administration.
Pfizer's patent on active ingredient sildenafil expired on May 17, and six companies have since released prescription-only generic versions.
A court this week ruled against Pfizer's claim that a "use patent" barred generic copies from being sold as erectile dysfunction treatments.
Pfizer Korea said it was "considering options for appeal" and its use patent remains valid until the result of that appeal in announced.
But more pharmaceutical companies are expected to release versions, according to patent regulator the Korean Intellectual Property Office.
"In an aging society, people are looking to improve their quality of life," said Shin Seoung-pill, a PR representative for CJ Cheiljedang, one of the companies to release a copy.
As of Thursday, 19 pharmaceutical firms had received approval for 37 generic Viagra copies from the Korea Food and Drug Administration.
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