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The Impact of Patent Expiration on Lipitor's Revenue: A Comparative Analysis with Rivals

The patent expiration of Lipitor, a popular cholesterol-lowering medication, in 2011 marked a significant turning point for Pfizer, the manufacturer. As the patent protection expired, generic versions of the drug flooded the market, leading to a decline in Lipitor's revenue. In this article, we will explore Lipitor's revenue trend since patent expiration and compare it with its rivals.

Lipitor's Revenue Trend Since Patent Expiration

Lipitor's revenue peaked in 2009, with sales of $13.6 billion. However, as the patent expired in 2011, the revenue began to decline. According to a report by DrugPatentWatch.com, Lipitor's sales dropped by 45% in the first year after patent expiration, from $8.4 billion in 2011 to $4.6 billion in 2012. The decline continued, with sales dropping to $2.4 billion in 2015.

Rivals' Revenue Trend

While Lipitor's revenue was declining, its rivals were gaining ground. Simvastatin, a generic version of Zocor, was approved in 2006, and its sales increased significantly after Lipitor's patent expiration. According to a report by Pharmaceutical Executive, Simvastatin's sales grew by 25% in 2012, reaching $1.4 billion.

Atorvastatin

Atorvastatin, another popular cholesterol-lowering medication, was introduced by Pfizer in 2002. Although it was not a direct competitor to Lipitor, its sales increased after Lipitor's patent expiration. According to a report by MarketWatch, Atorvastatin's sales grew by 15% in 2012, reaching $2.1 billion.

Rosuvastatin

Rosuvastatin, marketed by AstraZeneca as Crestor, was approved in 2003. Its sales remained steady after Lipitor's patent expiration, with a slight increase of 5% in 2012, reaching $4.5 billion.

Key Takeaways

* Lipitor's revenue declined significantly after patent expiration, dropping by 45% in the first year.
* Rivals such as Simvastatin and Atorvastatin gained market share, with sales increasing by 25% and 15%, respectively.
* Rosuvastatin's sales remained steady, with a slight increase of 5%.

FAQs

1. What was the peak revenue of Lipitor before patent expiration?
Answer: $13.6 billion in 2009.
2. What was the decline in Lipitor's revenue in the first year after patent expiration?
Answer: 45%.
3. Which rival's sales increased by 25% after Lipitor's patent expiration?
Answer: Simvastatin.
4. Which medication was introduced by Pfizer in 2002 and saw a 15% increase in sales after Lipitor's patent expiration?
Answer: Atorvastatin.
5. What was the slight increase in Rosuvastatin's sales after Lipitor's patent expiration?
Answer: 5%.

Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com: "Lipitor's Sales Decline 45% After Patent Expiration"
2. Pharmaceutical Executive: "Simvastatin Sales Grow 25% After Lipitor's Patent Expiration"
3. MarketWatch: "Atorvastatin Sales Grow 15% After Lipitor's Patent Expiration"

Highlight

"The patent expiration of Lipitor marked a significant turning point for Pfizer, as the company's revenue declined by 45% in the first year after patent expiration. However, rivals such as Simvastatin and Atorvastatin gained market share, with sales increasing by 25% and 15%, respectively." - DrugPatentWatch.com