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Pfizer has assailed Unilab’s pronouncements challenging the patents of its existing products.

In a statement sent to media, Pfizer stated that it is confident that its patents will withstand scrutiny as these have been approved by the Philippine Intellectual Property Office after a rigorous and thorough examination.

According to Pfizer Spokesperson, Patricia Pascual, “Research-based pharmaceutical companies, like Pfizer, commit billions of dollars to discover breakthrough, life-saving medicines to address the world’s most feared diseases. This long-standing dedication to science and R&D has resulted in the development of life-saving medicines in its 160-year global history and the grant of numerous patents around the world. Companies like ours vigorously protect and uphold intellectual property because doing so allows us to continue to find more cures for more people and contribute to saving lives.”

Pascual further stated: “For patents which are valid and in force in the Philippines such as Lipitor’s, we just ask that it be respected until it expires in 2012.”

On Unilab's claim that Pfizer’s Regional Legal Director, Millette Asuncion has admitted that Lipitor’s Atorvastatin Calcium patent has already expired, Pfizer assertd that the patent, which is the basis of the infringement case, remains valid and existing until September 2012.

“It is unfortunate that the statements I and our other witnesses made in court as part of our testimonies were misappreciated. Pfizer has filed a motion for reconsideration to ensure that the court will have the chance to fully review evidence presented before it and to make a ruling based not on legal technicalities but on the full merits of the case and the patent in question,” Asuncion stated.

“It is more unfortunate that the defendant is attributing to me and to the other witnesses admissions that were not really made. We stand firm with our position that all of Pfizer’s patents had been properly issued by the Intellectual Property Office having passed the various tests for patentability. We are ready to prove this at the proper forum in due course,” Asuncion further added.(PNA)

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