Pfizer looks to block Watson from launching generic Viagra

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Generic drug maker Watson Labs is hoping to market a generic version of a Pfizer drug for erectile dysfunction.

Watson announced Thursday that it had filed a regulatory approval application with the Food and Drug Administration to market a generic version of Viagra (sildenafil citrate) tablets in 25-mg, 50-mg and 100-mg strengths.

Pfizer filed suit against Watson on Wednesday in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York seeking to prevent Watson from commercializing its version of the drug before the expiration of one of Pfizer’s patents, U.S. Patent No. 6,469,012, scheduled to expire in October 2019, according to FDA records. The lawsuit prevents the FDA from approving Watson’s product until November 2013 or until the companies resolve the matter before the court.

Viagra had U.S. sales of slightly more than $1 billion during the 12-month period ended in April, according to IMS Health.