A US appeals court denied Pfizer's request to reconsider a March 22 ruling that the drugmaker's patent on hypertension treatment Norvasc (amlodipine) was invalid, Bloomberg reports.

"We are disappointed that the court has declined to re-hear what we believe is an incorrect ruling that is inconsistent with court precedent, and we intend to explore our options for further appeal,'' remarked Pfizer spokesman Bryant Haskins. A lawyer for Apotex, which had challenged the drug's patent, noted that "based on today's decision, the FDA should grant final approval to the Apotex application [to market a generic version of Norvasc] immediately." The generic drugmaker's version could enter the market this week.

Mylan has already launched its generic version of Norvasc, and Pfizer has started selling its authorised generic. The branded drug had global sales of $4.87 billion in 2006.

Reference Articles

Pfizer loses appeal over patent for Norvasc drug - (Bloomberg)

Pfizer loses appeal to revive patent - (Los Angeles Times)