Pfizer Prepares For Zoloft Authorized Generic Entry Following Teva’s Launch
This article was originally published in The Pink Sheet Daily
Executive Summary
Pfizer's blockbuster antidepressant sertraline loses exclusivity June 30.
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Pfizer plans to launch an authorized generic version of its selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor Zoloft (sertraline) "if and when Zoloft becomes subject to generic competition when it loses exclusivity June 30," the firm told "The Pink Sheet" DAILY Teva will be able to launch a generic version of the antidepressant on June 30. The company gained six-month marketing exclusivity for Zoloft through its acquisition of Ivax, the first to file, which settled a patent infringement case with Pfizer in 2003. Pfizer will launch the authorized generic under its Greenstone generics unit. Zoloft was Pfizer's third best-selling drug in 2005, with sales of $3.26 bil.; U.S. sales were $2.5 bil. During an investor meeting earlier this year, Pfizer outlined plans to strengthen its generics unit. The unit ranked seventh in the U.S. generic drug industry in 2005, with sales of $722 mil. Greenstone currently markets a number of authorized generics, including unbranded versions of Zithromax (azithromycin), Neurontin (gabapentin) and Diflucan (fluconazole) (1 (Also see "Pfizer’s Zithromax Gets Generic Competition Following ANDA Approvals" - Pink Sheet, 14 Nov, 2005.)). - Jessica Merrill |