Norwegian court finds in favour of Ranbaxy

Published: 23-Oct-2006

India's biggest drug maker Ranbaxy Laboratories has confirmed that a Norwegian court recently ruled in its favour in the patent litigation against Pfizer for cholesterol lowering drug atorvastatin (Lipitor).


India's biggest drug maker Ranbaxy Laboratories has confirmed that a Norwegian court recently ruled in its favour in the patent litigation against Pfizer for cholesterol lowering drug atorvastatin (Lipitor).

The Oslo City Court found non-infringement of two of Pfizer's Norwegian patents (No. 177,566 and No. 180,199) covering particular intermediate compounds. In November 2005 the Norwegian Court had found the Ranbaxy's atorvastatin product not infringing one of Pfizer's process patents (No 309,322) but was violating Pfizer's patent (No 177,706) covering a particular intermediate compound.

Commenting on the Norwegian court's decision, Ranbaxy senior vice president Jay Deshmukh said: 'It was the most important decision for Ranbaxy, as it significantly validates our position regarding the atorvastatin patents. We will continue to actively pursue all of our options in Norway and other markets in order to bring affordable atorvastsatin to patients around the world.'

The two companies have been locked in patent battles over Lipitor in a number of countries, including the US.

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