Brief Introduction to Viagra

Viagra, also known by its generic name sildenafil, is a medication commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and pulmonary hypertension (PH). It was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States in 1998. Since then, it has been marketed under the brand names Viagra and Revatio.

The Expiration of the Original Viagra Patent in the US

The original patent covering Viagra in the US was set to expire in 2020. According to US patent law, drug makers are granted 20 years of exclusive market rights to sell their pills. The patent journey for Viagra, however, started earlier. The first patent, 5,250,534, received a 283-day patent term extension. Although Viagra technically did not lose patent protection until 2020, some legal actions altered this timeline.

Pfizer's Role in Viagra Patent and Post-Patent Scenario

Pfizer, the company holding the patent rights for Viagra, had its hold nearly run out in 2011. However, it managed to confirm a later patent legally. Pfizer's patents on Viagra expired outside the US in 2012. In the US, they were set to expire, but Pfizer managed to extend this deadline through litigation settlements with other pharmaceutical companies, namely Mylan and Teva.

Teva Pharmaceuticals' Agreement with Pfizer for Launching Generic Viagra

Pfizer reached a settlement with Teva Pharmaceuticals in December 2013.

This agreement allowed Teva to launch a generic version of Viagra even before the official expiration of Pfizer's patent in 2020.This was a significant event in the pharmaceutical market that started shaping the post-patent scenario for Viagra.

Entrance of Other Generic Manufacturers in 2020

As per the agreement and the patent expiry timeline, other generic manufacturers were also allowed to enter the market with their own versions of generic Viagra starting from 2020. This development significantly broadened the availability and options for sildenafil, providing more accessibility to patients.

Pfizer's Own Generic Viagra: Differences and Pricing

In addition to allowing other manufacturers to produce generic sildenafil, Pfizer also introduced its own generic version of Viagra. This version stands out from the original branded product by forgoing the iconic blue color. Additionally, Pfizer's generic sildenafil is marketed at a significantly reduced price, effectively cutting the $65-a-pill retail price by half.

Impact of Generic Viagra Availability: Price Reduction and Accessibility

The expiration of Viagra's patent and the subsequent availability of generic versions have had a major impact on the market. The price of the medication has reduced significantly due to the competition among generic manufacturers. The accessibility of the medication has also improved as a result of the increased number of manufacturers and the availability of more affordable options. This change has benefited many people who require this medication for their health conditions.