It is not surprising that generics manufacturers are waiting in the sidelines, for this is a massive opportunity. In 2010, Zyprexa’s worldwide revenues were just over US$5 billion, or nearly 22% of Eli Lilly’s full year sales. Half of those sales are estimated to come from the US, where the patent protection for Zyprexa will expire in October 2011. Other major European countries will lose patent protection in September 2011.

Ranbaxy estimated the market in Spain to be around US$210 million. It is planning to promote the generic version to physicians and pharmacists in Spain ‘with immediate effect.’ Ranbaxy’s Country Manager in Spain, Mr Pere-Lluís Sala, added that ‘the generic alternative will bring about significant savings for patients and the Spanish Health System, which has been encouraging generic prescription as a means to make health care affordable.’

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