The world's best-selling drug Lipitor will lose patent protection in November. Recently, "The Wall Street Journal," said Pfizer drug patent expires, will launch non-prescription (OTC) in the form of Lipitor, thereby reducing the part of the economic losses.
Merck's lesson
  Lipitor patent expiration in the following, OTC Lipitor will take some time before being supplied to the market. Because OTC Lipitor still need approval by the FDA to allow regulatory authorities to be convinced, in the absence of medical supervision in the case, consumers are able to use the drug.

This was not easy. People can not forget the lesson: Merck three FDA-approved OTC application for the U.S. drop the (Mevacor, lovastatin), but all ended in failure. America is also a drop of statins. Bristol-Myers Squibb pravastatin similar products currently awaiting FDA approval is also converted to OTC.
   Pfizer spokesman said: "Lipitor loses exclusive marketing rights, we have developed strategic plans, will not comment further at this time."

It is understood, OTC Pfizer's Lipitor is not the only solution, another option is the so-called branded generics, Pfizer may also implement the two programs.
Last month, Pfizer announced plans to divest animal health and the infant formula business, both to streamline the other hand, in response to Lipitor suffered losses caused by generic competition.
However, Pfizer has decided to keep the generics business and consumer products business. Which led to speculation: Pfizer is planning to sell generic and OTC Lipitor and other products.

The risk of OTC statins

There is no doubt, OTC Lipitor will be welcomed by the insurance company, because of its lower cost.
In the past, FDA's concern is, OTC statins at risk, some patients do not need these drugs may be taken. In addition, there is a significant risk of cardiovascular problems for patients taking OTC statins give up to the hospital, or obtain other necessary health care services.

Because high cholesterol is a silent disease, if not cholesterol levels checked regularly, the patient will not know whether OTC statins play a therapeutic role.

A professional will be converted to OTC drug products brand consulting analyst, said the use of pharmacy prescription card technology will allow patients without a doctor's supervision in the case, better to be monitored. There are many ways to ensure that consumers use OTC statins. From now until 2016, many drugs in a bid to switch between brands and OTC drugs, Lipitor strategy is very common. (From Medicine Economic News)