Pfizer Inc. announced today that it has prevailed in its
patent infringement action against Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. in the United
States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
“We are pleased that the court recognized the validity
and enforceability of our Viagra patent for the treatment of erectile dysfunction,”
said Amy Schulman, executive vice president and general counsel for Pfizer.
“Protecting the intellectual property rights of our innovative core is
critical, and Friday’s court decision acknowledges Teva’s clear violation of
our patent rights.”
The court’s decision, which is subject to appeal, prevents
Teva from receiving approval for a generic form of Viagra until October 2019. Litigation
on the same patent remains pending against other generic companies, but no
trials are scheduled in those other cases.