Report: Pfizer may look to sell Lipitor over the counter

Kaitlyn Dmyterko | | Cardiovascular Business | Economics
Pfizer is looking to introduce an over-the-counter (OTC) version of its blockbuster cholesterol pill Lipitor (atorvastatin) that could be purchased without a doctor’s prescription, according to a report released today by the Wall Street Journal. The move could help the company retain revenues for the drug, after Lipitor’s patent is set to expire this November. Last year, the blockbuster's sales soared to $11 billion.

Previously, the FDA has scrapped the idea of allowing over-the-counter versions of cholesterol drugs in the same drug class as Lipitor, such as Merk’s lovastatin (Mevacor), due to concerns that patients would not be able to make informed decisions about take the drug properly. The proposal was rejected by the FDA’s Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee and its Endocrinology and Metabolic Drugs Advisory Committee and its Endocrinology and Metabolic Drugs Advisory Committee.

Pfizer, however, is hopeful that the FDA may consider the idea as the healthcare agencies look for ways to curb the rising healthcare costs, according to the WSJ. Selling a low-cost version of the drug could be the answer. According to the WSJ, Lipitor currently sells for about $4 to $5 per pill; however, an OTC version of the pill would sell for less.

Similarly, a nonprescription version of simvastatin (Zocor, Merck Pharmaceuticals) is currently being sold behind the counter at U.K. pharmacies.

However, even if the FDA approves an over-the-counter version of Lipitor, the drug will not be available in November when the patent is set to expire, according to the WSJ. Most likely, Pfizer will need to conduct additional research to convince the FDA that consumers will be able to make informed decisions about taking the drug and follow the drug label for taking an OTC version of Lipitor.

In response for a comment, MacKay Jimeson, representative from Pfizer confirmed that "we have strategic plans in place for Lipitor’s loss of exclusivity and will comment no further at this time."

Kaitlyn Dmyterko

Related Content

Q&A: MedAxiom CEO explores key trends in cardiologist, cardiovascular surgeon compensation
Positron partners with Upbeat Cardiology Solutions to improve cardiac PET/CT access
Abbott opens CGM sensor manufacturing facility in Ireland as part of $465M investment
Eko Health’s AI platform for digital stethoscopes granted new CPT code
Cardiologist demand is on the rise—can hospitals keep up?
Cardiologist receives 35 months in prison for health insurance fraud

Around the web

Health Imaging
Use of AI opportunistic screening in CT for cardiovascular disease

Ron Blankstein, MD, professor of radiology, Harvard Medical School, explains the use of artificial intelligence to detect heart disease in non-cardiac CT exams.

Health Imaging
New imaging protocols proposed to curb rise of cardiovascular infections

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.

Radiology Business
What does radiology have to do with climate change?

Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."