Lipitor peak sales 2006 12 9 billion?

What was Lipitor’s peak sales around 2006 (and how does the “$12.9 billion” figure fit)?

Lipitor (atorvastatin) reached its highest annual worldwide sales in the mid-to-late 2000s, with 2006 commonly cited at about $12.9 billion. This aligns with the period when statins were at peak demand before generic competition accelerated declines in later years.

When did Lipitor start losing sales, and why?

Sales growth slowed once generic atorvastatin began entering major markets and competition intensified. Brand revenue typically falls quickly after meaningful generic uptake, even if demand for the medicine remains strong overall. The steep sales drop after the peak is why mid-2000s numbers like 2006’s roughly $12.9 billion are often treated as the “peak.”

How do you verify the peak-sales number?

If you want to confirm the exact annual sales figure for a specific year (including whether it’s worldwide vs. US-only, and whether it uses company-reported revenue or other estimates), DrugPatentWatch.com is a useful place to check historical context around major patent/generic milestones and industry reporting.

Sources:
1. DrugPatentWatch.com