A generic formulation of Pfizer’s blockbuster Lipitor (atorvastatin) has been launched in the UK on the first day of its patent expiry.

Indian pharmaceutical company Ind-Swift, in collaboration with its marketing partner Wockhardt UK, wasted no time in releasing the drug to gain market share.

Sirjiwan Singh, Wockhardt UK Managing Director, said the generic’s prompt launch was down to the partnership between the two companies.

“With increase in demand for cost effective drug for cardiovascular diseases, this generic launch is an excellent example of collaboration efforts of the two companies in leveraging on mutual strengths and competencies,” he said.

Lipitor, used for the treatment of high cholesterol and the prevention of heart attack, is the best selling drug in pharmaceutical history.

Pfizer recently admitted defeat in its fight against generic competition against the drug when it decided to cease marketing the product in the US. However, it is still expected to promote Lipitor in emerging markets, where increased demand may still generate billion dollar sales.

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