Pfizer wins PDE-5 inhibitor patent trial

Pfizer Inc. has announced that it has prevailed in its patent infringement action against Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc., in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.

The court’s decision, which is subject to appeal, prevents Teva from receiving approval for a generic form of sildenafil citrate (Viagra) until October 2019. Litigation on the same patent remains pending against other generic companies, but no trials are scheduled in those other cases, Pfizer said.

"We are pleased that the court recognized the validity and enforceability of our Viagra patent for the treatment of erectile dysfunction," said Amy Schulman of Pfizer. "Protecting the intellectual property rights of our innovative core is critical, and the court decision acknowledges Teva’s clear violation of our patent rights."