Lipitor is a prescription drug that is used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood, which can reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. The cost of Lipitor is a topic of concern for many patients, and there are several factors that influence its price.

According to DrugPatentWatch [1], Lipitor is a brand-name drug that is protected by patents, which means that no generic versions are available. The patent for Lipitor expired in 2011, which allowed other companies to produce generic versions of the drug. However, Pfizer, the manufacturer of Lipitor, still holds the exclusive rights to sell the brand-name version of the drug, which is more expensive than the generic versions.

In 2017, a federal appeals court ruled that Pfizer did not engage in anticompetitive behavior to keep generic versions of Lipitor off the market [2]. This ruling means that Pfizer can continue to sell the brand-name version of the drug at a higher price than the generic versions.

The cost of Lipitor may also be influenced by factors such as research and development costs, marketing expenses, and production costs. However, it is important to note that the cost of prescription drugs is often not transparent, and it can vary depending on factors such as insurance coverage and pharmacy discounts.

Overall, the cost of Lipitor may be seen as high by some patients, but it is important to consider the potential benefits of the drug in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Patients who are concerned about the cost of Lipitor may want to talk to their healthcare provider about alternative options, such as generic versions of the drug or other cholesterol-lowering medications.

Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/ca3/14-4206/14-4206-2017-08-21.html