Pfizer, the Company That Owns Viagra

Pfizer, a leading pharmaceutical company, is the owner of the world-renowned erectile dysfunction drug, Viagra. This globally recognized product generated approximately 500 million U.S. dollars in revenue in 2019, proving its significant impact in the pharmaceutical market.

The Inception of Viagra: Sildenafil's Development for Cardiovascular Disease

Initially, the active ingredient in Viagra, sildenafil, was developed to treat cardiovascular disease. In the United States, Pfizer received two patents for sildenafil: one for its application in cardiovascular disease, marketed under the name Revatio, and another for its use to treat erectile dysfunction, marketed as Viagra.

Pfizer's Patent Filing in 1994 for Sildenafil to Treat Erectile Dysfunction

Pfizer filed a patent in 1994, covering the use of sildenafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. This milestone marked the beginning of a successful journey for Pfizer with its groundbreaking product, Viagra.

Publication and Expiration of Pfizer's Patent (2002-2019)

The patent for the use of sildenafil to treat erectile dysfunction was published in 2002 and expired in 2019. For nearly 20 years, Pfizer had exclusive rights to the brand-name erectile dysfunction (ED) drug Viagra.

Pfizer's Exclusive Rights to Viagra for Almost 20 Years

From the time of its patent's publication until its expiration, Pfizer had exclusive rights to market Viagra. This exclusivity period allowed Pfizer to establish Viagra as a leading brand in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

The 2013 Settlement Between Pfizer and Teva Pharmaceuticals

In 2013, Pfizer reached a settlement with Teva Pharmaceuticals that would allow the latter to market a generic version of Viagra. This agreement signaled the end of Pfizer's exclusive grip on the Viagra brand.

Introduction of the Generic Version of Viagra

After Pfizer's exclusive rights expired, the company decided to maintain its market presence.

Pfizer announced its own generic Viagra version in the U.S. in December 2017.

This version would sell at half the list price of branded Viagra, or a little more than $30 per pill.

The U.S.

Food and Drug Administration's Role in Approving Generic Sildenafil

The introduction of generic Viagra was possible thanks to the approval of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Pfizer hit chemical gold 20 years ago when the FDA approved Viagra, and continues to thrive with its generic version.

The Involvement of Indian Drug Manufacturers in the U.S.

Market

The market for generic sildenafil is not limited to Pfizer. Several drug manufacturers, including seven based in India, are approved to market generic sildenafil in the United States.

The Pricing Strategy of Pfizer's Generic Viagra

Pfizer's strategy for its generic Viagra included a significant price reduction. Slashing its list price in half made the drug more accessible to a larger population, offering a comprehensive pricing and marketing response to the advent of other generics.

The Role of Pfizer's Upjohn Subsidiary and its Supply Deal

Pfizer's Upjohn subsidiary has also been involved in the Viagra saga. Products related to Viagra were transferred to VIATRIS SPECIALTY LLC, a part of the Upjohn subsidiary, furthering the reach of this revolutionary drug.

The Partnership Between Pfizer and Telehealth Provider Roman

In recent years, Pfizer has also ventured into telehealth. The company reached an exclusive supply deal with telehealth provider Roman for access to Pfizer's generic Viagra. This strategic move has made the drug more accessible to patients, further solidifying Pfizer's place in the erectile dysfunction treatment market.