Ranbaxy's Lipitor-copy goes on sale 1 Dec 2011, but the impact on consumers is a bit more complicated than one might think.

For example, Watson Pharmaceuticals is selling a Lipitor copy under an agreement made with patentee Pfizer (thus, an authorized generic). And Pfizer has made deals with insurance companies. Bloomberg reports: UnitedHealth Group Inc., the biggest U.S. health insurer by sales, said Nov. 19 it will charge a lower co-pay for Pfizer’s pill than it does for generics for the next six months, taking advantage of a price reduction from the drugmaker. Looking at this a different way, the out-of-pocket expense for generic Lipitor can be different for someone without health insurance (who will likely buy generic) than with certain health insurance (who will keep buying Pfizer-made). Bloomberg also reported: Pfizer has struck deals with companies including Catalyst Health Solutions Inc. and Coventry Health Care Inc. to prevent generic Lipitor from reaching some patients until the end of May 2012. As one can see, the big price break for this statin is 6 months from today.

Ranbaxy is 64 percent-owned by Daiichi Sankyo Co. Ranbaxy's Lipitor-copy will be made in "Princeton," NJ.

See also

What happened to the guy who developed Lipitor?

Yes, Virginia, Ranbaxy Will Sell A Generic Lipitor

Ranbaxy to Share Part of Lipitor Profits With Teva