Pfizer-Ranbaxy deal might signal trend

...according to the title of Eklavya Gupte's article in MIP this week that reports that "This week's settlement of the Lipitor patent litigation suggests that branded and generic companies are more willing to compromise on IP rights". Lipitor is the the #1 prescribed cholesterol-lowering medication in the world according to IMS Health. IMS National Prescription Audit Plus™. March 2006. Heart Disease is usually seen as Western problem but is increasing prevalent in Africa - see News24 report here. The deal is described by Pfizer as a "win-win-win" because it is pro-competition, pro-intellectual property and pro-patient, according to the article.