Viagra prices to drop – sales expected to grow

Today the media reports that the patent on Viagra has come to an end. This means that other drug companies can now produce their own versions of the drug. Viagra is the brand name the pharmaceutical company Pfizer uses for the drug sildenafil citrate, which is used to treat erectile dysfunction. Viagra was designed to treat high blood pressure and angina. Researchers found that it was not particularly effective for either condition but that it did lead to sustained erections, as a result of temporarily increasing blood flow to the penis. Manufacturers Pfizer have held the exclusive right to market the drug (known as a patent) for the past 15 years since it was licensed in 1998. Now that the patent has expired other pharmaceutical companies will be able to market their own versions of sildenafil citrate. It is likely that the price of these unbranded versions (generics) will be lower, meaning that Pfizer will face competition for sales. They may have to drop their prices in response.   What does it mean when a drug comes off patent? A patent is a form of intellectual property that protects new inventions. It covers how things work, what they do, how they do it, what they are made of and how they are made. It gives the owner of the patent the right to prevent others from making, using, importing or selling the invention without permission. Medicines are controlled by patent legislation, meaning a particular company has the exclusive right to market a drug they have discover...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Lifestyle/exercise Medication Source Type: news