Pfizer sues Apotex in U.S. over generic version of Lyrica nerve-pain drug

Pfizer Inc., the world's largest drugmaker, accused Apotex Inc. in a lawsuit of infringing two U.S. patents for the nerve-pain drug Lyrica.

Apotex, based in Toronto, plans to market a generic version of Lyrica before the newest patent expires in 2018, Pfizer said in a complaint filed July 8 in federal court in Wilmington, Delaware. Pfizer claimed it "will be substantially and irreparably harmed" by the alleged infringement.

Lyrica generated more than $800m in sales in the first quarter for New York-based Pfizer, which is selling units and trimming jobs in preparation for pending loss of patent protection for its best-selling drug Lipitor, used to control cholesterol.

Elie Betito, a spokesman for closely held Apotex, didn't immediately return voice and e-mail messages seeking comment on the filing.

Pfizer fell 3 cents to $20.13 at 9:44 a.m. in New York Stock Exchange composite trading. The shares gained 15% this year before today.

The case is Pfizer Inc. v. Apotex Inc., U.S. District Court, District of Delaware (Wilmington).

(Published by Bloomberg - July 11, 2011)