| Viagra paitent rejected |
[11/03/2010] |
The US Patent and Trademark Office has partially rejected a patent on Pfizer's impotence drug Viagra because it works in a way similar to the Chinese herb Yin Yang Huo, which is sold on websites under the colourful name, Horny Goat Weed.
An appeals board of the patent agency upheld an earlier finding that an element of the Viagra patent did not represent a new invention.
The claims came under contention as part of a patent infringement lawsuit Pfizer filed against Eli Lilly, which makes the rival drug Cialis.
The board of patent appeals said in a ruling posted on its website earlier this week that a chemical ingredient of Yin Yang Huo, which is used to treat impotence and sometimes sold as an aphrodisiac, is similar to the enzyme inhibitor of Viagra
"The decision has no effect on patent claims relating to Viagra said Pfizer spokesman Chris Loder. "Pfizer has the right to seek a rehearing or appeal the decision." - Reuters |
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