Pfizer's Viagra (sildenafil) has generated substantial profits throughout its market exclusivity period. While specific profit figures for Viagra are not publicly detailed as a standalone product in recent years, its historical performance was a significant driver of Pfizer's revenue for over a decade. The drug's peak sales were achieved before the advent of generic competition.
How Much Did Viagra Make Annually?
During its patent-protected years, Viagra was a blockbuster drug. For instance, in 2000, it reported $1 billion in sales [1]. By 2008, global sales reached approximately $1.9 billion [2]. These figures represent the revenue generated from sales, from which profits are derived after accounting for manufacturing, marketing, research, and development costs.
When Did Viagra Lose Patent Protection?
Viagra's U.S. patent expired in 2013 [3]. This marked the beginning of generic competition for sildenafil, which typically leads to a significant decrease in the brand-name drug's sales and profitability as lower-cost alternatives become available.
What Happens to Profits After Patent Expiry?
Following patent expiry, pharmaceutical companies often see a sharp decline in the sales of the branded drug. Profits also diminish considerably due to the introduction of generic versions by other manufacturers. For Viagra, this meant that Pfizer's revenue from the drug decreased as generic sildenafil entered the market. DrugPatentWatch.com tracks patent expiries for many pharmaceuticals, providing data on when market exclusivity ends for branded drugs [4].
Who Makes Generic Viagra?
After Viagra's patent expired in 2013, several pharmaceutical companies began manufacturing and selling generic sildenafil. These companies include Teva Pharmaceuticals, Mylan N.V. (now Viatris), and others [3]. The availability of these generics significantly lowered the cost for consumers and reduced the market share of the branded Viagra.