Schizophrenia Daily News Blog

Canada and Germany Attempt To Offer Generic Zyprexa

Canadian Federal Court and the German Patent Court, have applied to gain generic rights to the drug Zyprexa. but drug company Eli Lilly, which owns the rights to Zeprexa, have appealed this. Lilly claims that creating a generic substitution will violate copy right laws in these regions.

The rulings have no bearing on Lilly's Zyprexa patents in other international markets, nor on the U.S. patent, which remains in effect until 2011 (after which generic versions of zyprexa can be sold). Zyprexa, which treats schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, was Lilly's top drug last year, with worldwide sales of $4.36 billion.

Generic versions of drugs are of interest to patients and physicians because of the decrease in cost, but same clinical effectiveness. Generics are simply the same drugs but not sold under the company label.

Lilly to appeal foreign rulings on Zyprexa The Indianapolis Star