Competitor Permitted To Sell Lipitor Generic

NPR

Published December 1, 2011 at 4:00 AM EST

STEVE INSKEEP, HOST:

NPR's business news starts with cheaper cholesterol drugs for many Americans.

(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)

INSKEEP: The drug maker Pfizer has lost the patent on its drug Lipitor. The patent expired in the United States yesterday. And on the same day, regulators granted an Indian company approval to sell a cheaper, generic version of the cholesterol drug in the U.S. market.

Pfizer has sold about $100 billion worth of Lipitor since 1997. Revenues are now expected to plummet. And more generic rivals are expected to hit the market soon, meaning consumers will be paying a fraction of the previous cost for that medication. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.

SUSTAIN what matters. BUILD what’s next.

With federal funding eliminated, WKAR relies more than ever on community support to sustain essential services that remain freely available to everyone in mid-Michigan. Your support helps shape what comes next for public media in our region. The best way to support WKAR is by becoming a sustaining member today or by upgrading your current gift. Support WKAR TV Here | Support WKAR Radio Here.