Pfizer Response To Initial, Non-Final Office Action by US Patent And Trademark Office

Regarding Company's Application to Reissue Lipitor Calcium Salt Patent

"An initial rejection is not uncommon in reissue application proceedings. Pfizer will now review the communication from the Patent Office and respond as appropriate to address the issues raised by the examiner.

"It is important to note, however, that Lipitor continues to be protected by its basic patent until March 2010, including pediatric exclusivity. Today's decision has no impact on the basic patent.

"The average time for obtaining a reissue patent is about two years from the date the application is filed. Pfizer filed its reissue application on Lipitor's calcium salt patent in January 2007."