Watson launches generic Lipitor in Canada

Watson Pharmaceuticals has announced that its subsidiary, Cobalt Pharmaceuticals, is to market a generic version of Pfizer's statin, Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium) in Canada. 

The announcement follows Cobalt Pharmaceuticals receiving a Notice of Compliance from Health Canada to market atorvastatin calcium tablets in 10, 20, 40 and 80 mg strengths.

"We are very pleased that our Cobalt organisation will be adding this important therapy to its expanding portfolio of products," said Paul Bisaro, president and CEO of Watson Pharmaceuticals.

"Cobalt is well positioned to maximise the launch of the largest product to be offered as a generic in the history of the Canadian generic pharmaceutical industry," he continued.

Atorvastatin calcium is indicated to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, certain kinds of heart surgeries and chest pain in patients with either heart disease or several common risk factors for heart disease.

According to IMS Health, Lipitor had total Canadian sales of around $1bn for the year ending March 2010.