Pfizer To Appeal Canadian Federal Court Decision On Norvasc Patent

Pfizer has reported that it is disappointed by the Canadian Federal Court’s decision declaring its patent covering amlodipine besylate, the active ingredient in Norvasc, as invalid.

The company said that it will appeal the decision to the Federal Court of Appeal of Canada. Pfizer’s amlodipine besylate patent-Canadian Patent No. 1321393 – expires in 2010. The civil action was brought by Ratiopharm.

The company said that it remains committed to protecting its intellectual property rights and to ensuring the long-term viability of its research and development programs.

The company noted that legal challenges to this patent in Canada by other generic manufacturers are still pending.