Canada court rules in Pfizer's favor by saying no to generic.

Pfizer has a valid patent for Viagra in most parts of the world but it was recently challenged by Novopharm who wanted to introduce a generic version of Viagra into the market. A judge prohibited the Canadian health minister from the approval of the generic drug and will not get approved until the patent for Viagra runs out in the year 2014, which is a long time to go. Novopharm claims that the patent is not valid due to obvious reasons but the judge thought other wise, back when sildenafil was first developed by Pfizer it was revolutionary and one of the only ways for men to treat Erectile Dysfunction.

The makers of Viagra have won this case but the ruling can still be appealed by the federal court of appeal, Pfizer mentioned it will protect it's intellectual property, saying it is very important for supporting huge investments in finding life saving medications. Novopharm claimed that the patent was invalid because it does not provide enough information about Viagra. This is not the first time a competing drug company has tried to break through Pfizer patent by launching a generic version of Viagra, back in 2007 Apotex Inc. tried it as well.

To read more about the Apotex Inc case click here

While Viagra is still the most popular ED medication in the world it got some competition down the road by Eli Lilly. In 2003 tadalafil came into play better known as Cialis which was another alternative for treating Erectile Dysfunction but still does not get very close to the market share the blue pill has. Until 2014 Pfizer will still have control over its patent and competing drug companies will have to wait until then to come out with a generic version. The most recent news has been about Boots pharmacy in the UK which do now offer Viagra directly from the pharmacist without having to visit your doctor, but he patients doctor does need to be informed by the pharmacist.

Read more about Boots pharmacy offering Viagra Directly here