Pfizer Denying Filipinos of Affordable Hypertensive Drug

17 AUGUST 2007 

Members of the Cut the Cost, Cut the Pain Network (3CPNet) appeal to the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) for the cancellation of Pfizer’s patent on Norvasc, a maintenance drug for hypertensive patients. 

“Pfizer has long deceived the Filipinos by continuously filing patents on ingredients of Norvasc which has no significant therapeutic effect just to maintain their monopoly over their market – the Hypertensive patients.” Edeliza Hernandez, Coordinator of Cut the Cost, Cut the Pain Network (3CPNet)  said.

The patent of Norvasc or Amlodipine Besylate, for its active ingredient Amlodipine, has long been expired. Currently, Norvasc’s patent is based on the besylate salt, an ingredient which has no therapeutic effect or curative capacities.

“The IPO erred in granting the Patent of Norvasc on Besylate salt. We are urging IPO to employ corrective measures on this case through a resolution canceling the Norvasc patent. A resolution favorable to the interest of the Filipinos.” Hernandez added.

Similarly, the Philippine International Trading Corporation filed a Petition for the cancellation of Norvasc’s patent citing the United States Court of Appeals Ruling which declared Pfizer’s Norvasc patent invalid due to the besylate salt’s obviousness.

Norvasc, an Anti-Hypertensive maintenance drug gained global sales of USD 4.87 Billion for Pfizer last year. Norvasc is priced at Php 44.75 per 5 mg tablet and Php 74.75 per 10 mg tablet.

“Depriving patients of low-cost medicines deprives them of their right to live. This is what Pfizer has been doing through the years and it has to stop. Cancellation of Norvasc’s patent is a step towards preventing multinational drug corporations of following a similar path and a means to reducing the high cost of medicines in the country.” Hernandez concluded.