The Hindu Business Line : Pfizer set to launch Viagra next week

THE clones have been available for close to five years now. But that apart, Pfizer is set to bring its diamond-shaped blue impotence drug Viagra into India next week.

At present, the market has more than 10 desi versions of Viagra from the drug majors such as Ranbaxy, Zydus Cadila, Cipla and Sun Pharma.

And this, according to an industry representative, could have been one of the reasons why Pfizer delayed the launch of the drug here.

Penegra was the name under which Zydus Cadila launched its version ofsildenafil citrate, the active ingredient in Viagra. And this was way back in January 2001.

The drug, according to an industry representative clocked sales of about Rs 32 crore this year.

Other players include, Cipla with Silagra, Ranbaxy with Caverta, Alembic's Alsigra, Sun Pharma's Edegra, Ajanta's Pharma Kamagra and Protec's Progra.

In the past, industry representatives have lamented that the growth of this niche market had been inhibited since the drug is available only on prescription.

In fact, it can be prescribed only by either an endocrinolgist, diabetologist or a psychiatrist.

Pfizer officials were tight-lipped on the prospects ahead for Viagra, including how it will be priced in the local market.

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Pfizer set to launch Viagra next week