Court setback for Viagra producers

Viagra: A worldwide seller

LONDON, England -- Producers of the anti-impotence drug Viagra could face competition from rival products after a British court ruling.

High Court judge Hugh Laddie decided in London on Wednesday that U.S. drug company Pfizer's UK patent on the use of a key Viagra ingredient was invalid.

The case was brought by Lilly ICOS, a joint venture between Pfizer's U.S. rivals Eli Lilly and Co. and ICOS Corp., which wants to produce a rival to Viagra, one of the world's fastest-selling drugs.

The ruling only affects Pfizer's patent in Britain, but a Pfizer spokeswoman said there was similar challenge affecting the whole of the 15-nation European Union.

	MORE
Read the British court's decision

The judge said he found the British patent on the use of Viagra component sildenafil citrate was based on knowledge already in the public domain before the patent was taken out in 1993.

Pfizer is reviewing the 58-page judgment and considering an appeal. The company said its patent of the actual Viagra product, which runs until 2013, would not be affected.

Several groups have been trying to produce a rival for Viagra, including German drug maker Bayer AG with its Vardenafil treatment, due in 2002.

The judge kept his decision secret from the parties and their lawyers until he gave the verdict, due to commercial sensitivity. A decision on who should pay legal costs was adjourned.

Reuters contributed to this report.

Judge dismisses $85 million Viagra lawsuit
September 21, 2000
Women, too, may benefit from Viagra
May 1, 2000
A new drug for impotence
April 14, 2000

Viagra
Pfizer
Eli Lilly
ICOS

Note: Pages will open in a new browser window

External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.