Pfizer's Viagra patent appeal rejected

Pfizer, makers of Viagra, have been partially rejected from patenting the drug because the US Patent and Trademark Office say it works in a similar way to a Japanese herb known as Horny Goat Weed.

The decision came as part of a patent infringement lawsuit which Pfizer has filed against Eli Lilly and Co, a rival company who make Cialis, another erectile dysfunction treatment. Although Pfizer maintains a patent on Viagra that does not expire until 2019, the ruling means that an element of the patent does not constitute a new invention. A spokesperson for Viagra said: “this has no effect on Pfizer’s claims relating to Viagra”.

Horny Goat weed is commonly sold under the official names of Epimedium or Yin Yang Huo. A soft, green heart shaped leaf, it is a herbal alternative to Viagra and contains a chemical enzyme similar to that used in Viagra. Although it has been proven to work, the majority of consumers opt for Viagra and Cialis to treat their erectile dysfunction. Last year Pfizer reported almost $2 million dollars in sales of Viagra.

There is a huge market for erectile dysfunction treatments. Millions of men around the world are affected by the condition, which is particularly prevalent among mature men, affecting half of all men between the ages of 40 and 70. Here at Online Clinic, we offer a range of proven products for anyone seeking advice or treatment. Viagra and Cialis are two products which are subject to clinical trials.