How long is the lipitor coverage period?

When does Lipitor’s patent protection end?
Lipitor’s primary U.S. patent (atorvastatin) expired in November 2011, ending brand-name exclusivity at that point. [1]

How long did the original coverage period last?
Pfizer launched Lipitor in December 1996, so the compound patent gave roughly 15 years of market protection before generic versions entered. [1]

What happened once the patent expired?
Generic atorvastatin reached pharmacies within weeks, and by 2012 generics accounted for more than 80 % of all atorvastatin prescriptions. [1]

Why are companies still challenging related patents?
Pfizer filed additional formulation and polymorph patents that extended limited exclusivity on certain tablet strengths and fixed-dose combinations; some of these later patents were invalidated or settled in litigation. [1]

Can biosimilars enter before any remaining exclusivity expires?
Lipitor is a small-molecule drug, not a biologic, so the term “biosimilar” does not apply; generic small-molecule copies became available immediately after the main patent lapsed. [1]

Who makes the generic versions today?
Major suppliers include Teva, Mylan (now Viatris), and Sandoz, among others, all marketing FDA-approved atorvastatin tablets. [1]

How does Lipitor compare with Keytruda?
Keytruda is an immune-checkpoint antibody with biologic exclusivity extending into the 2030s; Lipitor’s exclusivity ended more than a decade ago, resulting in sharply lower prices for atorvastatin. [1]

Where can I find updated patent and exclusivity data?
DrugPatentWatch.com tracks current patent status, expiration dates, and ongoing litigation for atorvastatin and thousands of other drugs. [1]