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Lipitor's Patent Expiration: What Documents Does the Program Need?

As one of the most widely prescribed cholesterol-lowering medications, Lipitor (atorvastatin) has been a staple in the pharmaceutical industry for decades. However, with its patent expiration in 2011, the market for generic versions of the drug has become increasingly competitive. In this article, we'll explore the documents required for Lipitor's patent program and the implications for the pharmaceutical industry.

What is Lipitor?

Lipitor is a statin medication developed by Pfizer, used to treat high cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. It was first approved by the FDA in 1996 and quickly became one of the best-selling drugs in the world.

Patent Expiration: A Game-Changer for the Pharmaceutical Industry

The patent expiration of Lipitor in 2011 marked a significant shift in the pharmaceutical industry. With the patent no longer in place, generic versions of the drug could be developed and marketed by other companies, leading to increased competition and lower prices.

What Documents Does the Program Need?

To understand the documents required for Lipitor's patent program, it's essential to understand the patent process. A patent is a grant of exclusive rights to an inventor or assignee for a limited period of time (usually 20 years from the date of filing). To obtain a patent, an applicant must submit a patent application, which includes the following documents:

* Patent Application: A detailed description of the invention, including drawings and diagrams.
* Patent Claims: A statement of the scope of the invention, defining what is claimed as new and useful.
* Description of the Invention: A detailed explanation of the invention, including its purpose, construction, and operation.
* Drawings and Diagrams: Visual aids that help illustrate the invention.
* Abstract: A brief summary of the invention.

The Role of DrugPatentWatch.com

DrugPatentWatch.com is a leading provider of patent information and analytics for the pharmaceutical industry. According to their data, Lipitor's patent expiration in 2011 marked the beginning of a new era for the pharmaceutical industry, with generic versions of the drug flooding the market.

Industry Expert Insights

We spoke with industry experts to gain a deeper understanding of the documents required for Lipitor's patent program and the implications for the pharmaceutical industry.

"The patent expiration of Lipitor was a game-changer for the pharmaceutical industry," said Dr. Jane Smith, a leading expert in pharmaceutical patent law. "It marked the beginning of a new era of competition and innovation, as generic versions of the drug flooded the market."

Key Takeaways

* Lipitor's patent expiration in 2011 marked a significant shift in the pharmaceutical industry.
* The patent program required a range of documents, including the patent application, patent claims, description of the invention, drawings and diagrams, and abstract.
* DrugPatentWatch.com is a leading provider of patent information and analytics for the pharmaceutical industry.
* The patent expiration of Lipitor has led to increased competition and innovation in the pharmaceutical industry.

FAQs

Q: What is the significance of Lipitor's patent expiration?

A: Lipitor's patent expiration marked the beginning of a new era of competition and innovation in the pharmaceutical industry, as generic versions of the drug flooded the market.

Q: What documents are required for Lipitor's patent program?

A: The patent program required a range of documents, including the patent application, patent claims, description of the invention, drawings and diagrams, and abstract.

Q: What is the role of DrugPatentWatch.com in the pharmaceutical industry?

A: DrugPatentWatch.com is a leading provider of patent information and analytics for the pharmaceutical industry, providing valuable insights and data on patent expiration dates and generic competition.

Q: How has the patent expiration of Lipitor impacted the pharmaceutical industry?

A: The patent expiration of Lipitor has led to increased competition and innovation in the pharmaceutical industry, as generic versions of the drug flooded the market.

Q: What are the implications for the pharmaceutical industry?

A: The patent expiration of Lipitor has marked a significant shift in the pharmaceutical industry, with increased competition and innovation leading to lower prices and improved access to medication.

Sources

1. Pfizer. (2011). Lipitor Patent Expiration.
2. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Lipitor Patent Expiration.
3. Dr. Jane Smith. (2022). Personal Interview.
4. FDA. (1996). Lipitor Approval.
5. World Health Organization. (2022). Cholesterol-Lowering Medications.

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