The boomer generation is limping toward retirement with pockets full of cash and bodies full of ailments, putting any drug company with top-drawer medications and solid patents in line for a windfall. Today's shakeup at Pfizer's (NYSE: PFE) drug-pipeline management, with the announced retirement of R&D president John LaMattina [subscription required], suggests the company isn't happy with the lack of success in restocking its shelves.
Pfizer, the largest pharmaceutical company in the world, realized 64% of its 2006 revenue from its top nine sellers. Unfortunately, the patents for those brands are rapidly expiring:
- Norvasc: 2007
- Zyrtec: 2007
- Lipitor: 2010
- Viagra: 2012
- Detrol: 2012
- Cardura X: 2008
Five winners of a weak dollar
For a quick-read on the U.S. economy, check the price of gasoline
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