Viagra generics enter the Korean market

Pfizer's blue pill 'Viagra' has gone off patent, which caused a lot of excitement amongst Korean pharmaceutical firms as they are allowed to make generics of Viagra.

One day after Viagra's patent expired, Korean pharmaceutical company CJ released 'Heragra' in to the market. They sure didn't waste any time at all. They are certainly giving Pfizer a run for their money too by pricing Heragra at one third of its price. One pill of Viagra costs 13.60USD whilst one pill of Heragra costs less than 5USD. As a patient, the pricing difference will sure make Heragra the more appealing and cost effective option. (NOTE: Heragra is a terrible name, it doesn't roll off the tongue easily).

However, Pfizer came out with a statement:
"Pfizer held two different patents in regards to sildenafil. One was for the compound and the other for it's use in the treatment of erectile dysfunction."

This means CJ or any other Pharmaceutical company can manufacture sildenafil but they can't make health claims for erectile dysfunction for their products.

CJ were unsatisfied with this so they have filed a law suit against Pfizer.


Reference: Korean Herald